France continued their dominance at the IBU Biathlon World Championships 2025 with an impressive victory in the Women's 4x5km relay held on February 22, 2025, at Lenzerheide, Switzerland. Despite challenging conditions marked by inconsistent winds, the French team showcased incredible prowess, clinching gold with remarkable skill.
The French quartet, featuring Lou Jeanmonnot, Oceane Michelon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, and Julia Simon, exhibited stunning teamwork throughout the race. Jeanmonnot, who entered the competition as a three-time world champion, set the tone early by hitting all five targets during her initial round. This effort helped her build an astounding seven-second lead going out from the first shooting range. The enthusiastic crowd, lined along the course, erupted with cheers with every successful shot, setting the stage for what would be a memorable triumph for the French team.
Taking over on the second leg, Oceane Michelon extended the team's lead to 48 seconds by the end of her lap, clearly highlighting France's dominance throughout the event. The sprint champion, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, maintained the lead going forward. Julia Simon, who played the final leg of the relay, finished strong and crossed the finish line with her country’s flag, completing the course with an impressive time of 1:07:23:09. This victory marked France's sixth gold medal of the championship.
"We've historically made some good comebacks but we're very happy. We're sharper than last year, we had no penalty loops today and it felt easy," Braisaz-Bouchet commented post-race, emphasizing their team’s sharp performance compared to the previous year. The warmth of the day had made the track slow and challenging, but the French athletes managed the circumstances admirably, showcasing their status as formidable competitors.
Norway, known for their strength and endurance, exhibited their class by coming from behind to secure the silver medal, finishing 1:04.2 seconds behind the French champions. Olympic champions Sweden faced tough competition and engaged in a fierce battle for the bronze, concluding the race at +1:44.5 back.
Following the women's relay event, the men's 4x7.5km relay awaited later the same day, showcasing yet another layer of competitive spirit at the championships. With France's successful outing, the team continues to solidify its position as the powerhouse of biathlon, setting the tone for future competitions and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
The success achieved by the French team at Lenzerheide serves as yet another homage to their deep-rooted tradition of excellence and remarkable teamwork. By maintaining focus and determination, they have not only won medals but have also elevated the prestige of French biathlon on the international stage.