As one of the last top nations, France announced its biathlon squad for the 2023/24 season on Wednesday. There are no big surprises, but new coach Simon Fourcade and his colleague Cyril Burdet in particular will have to answer a few tricky questions.
Norway, Germany, Sweden, Italy and Co. have already submitted, now the French have followed suit. On Wednesday, the national federation published its bids for the upcoming biathlon season. According to this, seven women and seven men will try to forget the mixed past year.
The France men’s team for the 2023/24 season is made up of Fabien Claude, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Antonin Guigonnat, Emilien Jacquelin, Eric Perrot, Emilien Claude and Oscar Lombardot. Seven top runners, one of whom will be doomed to spectate with only six runners eligible per race. Above all, this will present new coach Simon Fourcade with one or the other unpleasant task.
France’s biathlon stars should encourage each other
“I’m hoping that will create a positive momentum,” said Fourcade, referring to his ample roster in which he’s hoping to find the right mix. “There will be the experienced ones who will be spurred on by the younger runners who are on the way up. The younger runners will hopefully be tickled by the others,” the former biathlete explained his plan.
Those responsible for the French women’s team, which, as expected, is led by Julia Simon, are also hoping for a very similar dynamic. The team is completed by Sophie Chauveau, Chloé Chevalier, Caroline Colombo, Lou Jeanmonnot and Paula Botet.
Back in the squad is mass start Olympic champion Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, who took a baby break last season and is now looking to get back into full action. With her, however, the French association plays for time. Women’s head coach Cyril Burdet said a few weeks ago that the 26-year-old didn’t want to rush things.
As soon as she is in top shape again, she will be a permanent part of the A squad as the seventh runner. Like Fourcade, Burdet faces one or two tricky personal puzzles if he has to sort out one athlete per race.