The 2024-2025 Biathlon World Cup is underway at Grand-Bornand, France, delivering thrilling competitions against the stunning backdrop of the Aravis mountains.
On December 20, 2024, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet captured the attention of biathlon fans by winning the women's sprint, delighting the enthusiastic French crowd. Over 13,000 spectators cheered her on as she blazed down the course, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
This sprint marks Braisaz-Bouchet’s second victory at Grand-Bornand, echoing memories of her first triumph during the mass-start event way back in 2017. After two previous races earlier this season, the atmosphere surrounding the third sprint was charged with excitement, with fans eager to see their athletes shine. "This site is special to me personally because the French crowd makes it unique. I'm very happy to be French!" Braisaz-Bouchet shared with La chaîne L'Équipe following her win.
The competition was no easy feat, with Braisaz-Bouchet completing the sprint with impeccable precision, scoring 9 out of 10 on her shots. She finished just 1.4 seconds ahead of Germany's Franziska Preuss, who also shot perfectly. Anamarija Lampic of Slovenia rounded out the podium, securing third place.
Despite the festive atmosphere, not all was smooth sailing for the French team. Lou Jeanmonnot, who had high hopes for the sprint, struggled under pressure, finishing 35th and expressing regret over her performance: "I’m very frustrated. I don’t know what happened during my standing shots. I might have been overwhelmed by the crowd and pressure," she lamented. Jeanmonnot’s disappointment was palpable but highlighted the relentless nature of biathlon, where emotional and physical stamina are equally pivotal.
Rising star Jeanne Richard made her mark by finishing 12th on her first-ever home start, with her enthusiasm shining through her post-race remarks: "This is my first start here. It’s crazy to be racing at home. I’m happy with my performance." Her solid finish adds hope for the future of French women’s biathlon.
The weekend’s events continue with pursuits and mass start formats scheduled through December 22, 2024. Each race plays a significant role as athletes accumulate points for the overall World Cup standings, especially with the Winter Olympics looming closer. Athletes are eager to capitalize on their performances this season, bringing heightened intensity to the Grand-Bornand stage.
This iteration of the World Cup is particularly special as Grand-Bornand has been reintroduced to the international circuit after skipping the previous season. The return has provided not only thrilling competition but also the opportunity for fans and supporters to rally behind their national heroes.
Positioning itself as not just another stop on the World Cup itinerary but as a true biathlon festival, Grand-Bornand showcases its unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, passionate fans, and elite athleticism, making it a quintessential part of the biathlon season.
Fans can look forward to watching the rest of the weekend live on La chaîne L'Équipe and Eurosport. The pursuit and mass start races promise more surprises and potentially shake-ups as athletes vie for the top spots leading to the Olympic selection.
With Braisaz-Bouchet riding high on her latest victory, all eyes will be on her and her teammates as they continue to compete. Will the crowd again serve as the wind beneath their wings? Only time will tell, as the biathlon saga at Grand-Bornand continues to evolve before the joyous holiday season.
