For the French biathlon team, the World Cup stop at Grand-Bornand felt less like a routine competition and more like a triumphant tour date. Encircled by adoring fans and relentless media attention, the athletes delivered performances worthy of the spotlight.
Nestled in the Aravis mountains, the small resort transformed into a biathlon capital for four days. More than 67,000 spectators packed the stands, setting a new attendance record and creating an atmosphere rarely seen outside major championships.
The French team, staying in a hotel reserved exclusively for them, moved through the venue to constant applause. Nearly 1,000 volunteers in bright orange hats kept the event running smoothly, adding to the sense of a perfectly orchestrated spectacle.
On the tracks and shooting range, the home favorites did not disappoint. France collected one victory and six additional podium finishes, reinforcing its status as one of the strongest nations on the biathlon circuit this season.
The women’s mass start on Sunday, December 21, showcased the depth of the French squad. Lou Jeanmonnot finished second, followed closely by Justine Braisaz-Bouchet in third and Camille Bened in fourth. Victory went to Norway’s rising star, Maren Kirkeeide.
In the men’s race, Eric Perrot delivered a composed performance to finish second. He was only beaten by Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel, who seized his opportunity in a tightly contested mass start under challenging conditions.
Beyond medals, Grand-Bornand carried deeper significance. The event concluded the first block of three World Cup stages, following races in Östersund, Sweden, and Hochfilzen, Austria, offering teams a chance to assess form before the season intensifies.
For French coaches and athletes, however, this stage was primarily a mental examination. Competing in front of a passionate home crowd tested their ability to manage expectations, noise and constant scrutiny.
Such pressure closely mirrors what awaits at the Olympic Games in Antholz, Italy. The Italian venue, known for its demanding course and unpredictable weather, will host the sport’s biggest event, where composure can be as decisive as physical strength.
“The crowd energy is incredible, but it can also be overwhelming,” one team staff member noted. “Learning to stay focused here is essential for what’s coming next season.”
The French biathlon program has spent years building both depth and consistency. The current squad blends experienced Olympic champions with younger athletes eager to make their mark on the international stage.
This balance was evident throughout the weekend. Veterans handled key moments with calm assurance, while emerging talents proved they could thrive in high-stakes races, even when the margin for error was minimal.
France’s success also reflects broader momentum within the team. Both the men’s and women’s squads enter nearly every World Cup race as podium contenders, a testament to preparation, coaching and long-term investment.
As the World Cup calendar pauses before the next phase, Grand-Bornand leaves behind more than results. It offered clarity about strengths, exposed areas for improvement and reinforced belief within the French camp.
With the road to the Olympics now firmly in view, the lessons learned amid roaring crowds and intense expectations may prove just as valuable as the medals earned on home snow.