After a short introductory training camp in Prémanon in May, the French men’s biathlon team gathers again on Thursday to launch the second phase of their summer program. We start with a two-day bike tour in the Alps.
In an interview with “Nordic Magazine”, former world-class biathlete Simon Fourcade, now the French coach, explained the focus of the coming days.
“I consider this to be the actual first training camp, because with this two-day bike tour – including an overnight stay and a stopover in Alpe d’Huez – we are really getting ourselves back in shape,” emphasized the 42-year-old.
The route, which includes at least 150 kilometers of cycling per day and a few meters of altitude, was developed by B team coach Louis Deschamps.
Overall World Cup winner Perrot trains in Norway
As in recent years, the French A and B teams are training together. Damien Levet, Valentin Lejeune, Théo Guiraud-Poillot, Léo Carlier, Camille Grataloup-Manissolle and Guillaume Poirot meet Quentin Fillon-Maillet, Gaëtan Paturel, Emilien Claude and Oscar Lombardot.
Overall World Cup winner Eric Perrot, however, is not there; the top biathlete is currently traveling through Norway with his partner, where he also completed units with some competitors.
Emilien Jacquelin, who is currently concentrating on cycling training, and Fabien Claude, who is currently traveling in New Zealand with his fiancée, are also missing.
“First real training camp” for biathlon stars
“After completing this tour, we will complete a regular training camp at the roller skiing and shooting range in Ceillac, combined with a slightly more intensive fitness program,” Fourcade continued. “In summary, this is our first real training camp and the real start of the season.”
Background: In May, the focus was on precision shooting in Prémanon, while aerobic shooting will be reintroduced as part of the second training camp.