The French biathlon sport was shaken after the end of the season by the resignations of the previous head coaches Vincent Vittoz and Patrick Favre. The French caused a sensation with the appointment of Simon Fourcade as the men’s replacement. Association boss Stéphane Bouthiaux justified the decision again.
Simon Fourcade is a former French World Cup ski hunter and the four-year older brother of biathlon legend Martin Fourcade. He coached the French youth until the very end and is now responsible for the fortunes of the A squad.
“We know his penchant for discipline and his proven expertise. He always wants to improve,” said France’s head of the association Bouthiaux to the newspaper “L’Équipe” about the qualities of Fourcade, who, together with the new shooting coach Jean-Pierre Amat became familiar with the new task.
France boss has no concerns
“He is someone who is very motivated. The athletes have expressed a desire to work with him. Forcing a different coaching staff on them was unimaginable for me,” Bouthiaux continued.
It is true that there is usually a certain risk in installing a new head coach who was still active with parts of the squad and is considered good friends.
But the 57-year-old, who was the national coach of the French biathletes between 2007 and 2018, is not too concerned about that: “It’s all about competence. And I have no concerns that he can bring it in. If he’s If he has something to say to athletes, he will say it to them.”
Simon Fourcade was still active in the World Cup until 2019. In his career he has celebrated, among other things, a World Championship title in the mixed relay and eight World Cup victories with the French relay.