The French men’s biathlon team secured another victory at the Hochfilzen relay on December 15, 2024, showcasing exceptional teamwork and skill. This victory marks the second consecutive win for the French team this season, reinforcing their dominance on the international stage.
Comprising Fabien Claude, Quentin Fillon-Maillet, Éric Perrot, and Emilien Jacquelin, the French athletes demonstrated remarkable precision and speed throughout the competition. Fabien Claude kicked off the relay confidently, missing only one shot during his two shooting passes and handing the baton to Fillon-Maillet with France just six seconds behind Norway.
Quentin Fillon-Maillet, proving his mettle, widened France’s lead with impressive skiing, returning to Éric Perrot with approximately 27 seconds to spare over the Norwegian team led by Johannes Boe. This margin meant Perrot had the opportunity to solidify their position before the final leg, setting the stage for Jacquelin’s decisive performance.
Emilien Jacquelin, who entered the final segment of the race neck-and-neck with Norway’s Vebjoern Soerum, thrillingly maneuvered his way through the challenging course. The relay was characterized by tension as both athletes approached their final shooting points. Jacquelin managed to hit all five targets with just two spare rounds, whereas Soerum faltered, taking penalties and forcing his team to lose precious time.
"Les Français ont obtenu le dernier mot à la faveur du dernier tir d’Emilien Jacquelin," noted the report from Eurosport. This moment encapsulated the entirety of the relay: precise shooting and relentless endurance were key to reaching the finish line first.
The race concluded with Jacquelin finishing with not just victory but with victory intact, leading by 15 seconds over the second-place Norwegians and securing France’s position as the frontrunner this season.
French biathletes have topped the podium consecutively, with this victory being particularly significant as it adds to their record of seven podium finishes this season, including four wins. According to Eurosport, "Il s'agit pour l'équipe de France masculine du septième podium (quatre victoires) en sept courses disputées cette saison." This impressive statistic indicates the team’s form and confidence as they perform consistently week after week.
The relay was not just about speed but encompassed strategy, skill, and heart. "C’est la seconde victoire des Bleus en deux relais disputés cet hiver !" commented Eurosport, directly reflecting the energy and excitement within the French team as they celebrated their success. Winning here was as much about preserving their momentum moving forward as it was about standing atop another podium.
Next, the French team will compete at the Grand Bornand from December 19-22, initiating another round of competition against the world’s best biathletes. Fans of the sport can expect more thrilling races as the season progresses and France aims to continue its dominating performance against traditional rivals like Norway and Sweden.
The Hochfilzen relay was yet another exciting chapter for the team, reminding fans and athletes alike of the unpredictability and elegance of biathlon as they navigate racing and shooting challenges on the international stage.
