The French national biathlon team is set to compete at the World Cup stage in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, from March 6 to March 9, 2025. This selection, recently announced by the Fédération Française de Ski (FFS), mirrors the roster from the World Championships held last month at Lenzerheide, Switzerland. Notably, this team will be missing Antonin Guigonnat, who has opted out of the event, allowing Oscar Lombardot to step up to the challenge.
The women's team features strong athletes: Julia Simon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Lou Jeanmonnot, Jeanne Richard, and Océane Michelon, alongside the returning Sophie Chauveau. Chauveau, initially sidelined after the Grand-Bornand race, makes her comeback to World Cup competition after being on the bench during the championships. "Sophie Chauveau and Oscar Lombardot make their return to the World Cup for this leg of the competition," noted P.G. on March 3, 2025.
For the men's team, the roster includes seasoned competitors such as Quentin Fillon Maillet, Fabien Claude, Éric Perrot, Émilien Jacquelin, and Emilien Claude, rounding out with the young talent, Oscar Lombardot. This selection is particularly significant as Lombardot, who was previously among the replacements during the World Championships, will now make his World Cup debut this winter.
The upcoming event at Nove Mesto holds great significance for the French team, as they aim to capitalize on their recent successes at the World Championships and build momentum heading toward the final legs of the season. "The French national team returns to the World Cup circuit after the successful championships, eager to build on recent performances," stated the FFS.
The event's schedule kicks off on March 6 with the men's 10km sprint, followed by the women's 7.5km sprint the next day. The competition then transitions to pursuit races on March 8, concluding with relay events on March 9. Fans are excited to see how the French biathletes will perform as they face off against tough international competitors.
With the team focusing on solidifying their standings and improving performances, the coaches and athletes are confident. The selection reflects their strategy of maintaining team coherence and experience, as well as injecting youthful vigor with younger talents like Michelon and Richard. The team hopes to showcase their best under the pressures of World Cup conditions.
Overall, as Nove Mesto approaches, anticipation builds for both the athletes and their supporters. With Olympic dreams on the horizon, every race counts, and this World Cup leg is yet another step toward excellence for the French biathlon team. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see which athletes rise to the occasion and how their preparations will manifest on the snowy tracks of the Czech Republic.