With six biathletes, the French men’s team will start at the start of the season in Östersund. Five of the six places have been awarded since the weekend to the last fights for three runners. Among them is also a youngster who could celebrate his debut on the big stage.
The so-called Sesong start in Geilo in mid-November is not only of great importance for the domestic Norwegians, but also for three members of the French biathlon team this year. In a mass start and a sprint you will get a real excretion race for the last free starting place in the World Cup.
According to sports director Stéphane Bouthiaux, the main actors of this three-way battle are the two World Cup runners Antonin Guigonnat and Oscar Lombardot as well as the only 22-year-old Gaëtan Pataturel, who was previously only allowed to do the IBU Cup and has not belonged to the Grand Nation’s official team.
“You will run for the last place in the World Cup in Geilo. The best is selected for the first two World Cups,” Bouthiaux told Nordic Magazine.
Five biathlon stars have a World Cup starting place
Only spectators will be Eric Perrot, Fillon-Millet, Emilia Jacquelin, Fabien Claude and Emilia Claude. According to the association, you already have your starting place for Austrian. However, it remains to be seen whether Emilien Claude can also perceive it. A few weeks ago, the 26-year-old underwent an intervertebral disc surgery and is currently completing his rehab. It is now, but now, but even better than expected.
Théo Guiraud-Poillot has no chance of starting a World Cup start in Östersund. The 22-year-old had hoped for a similar chance to Paturel, but was ultimately not taken into account for Geilo. According to “Nordic Magazine”, the coaches decided against him, although he made some top results during the summer.