Biathlon: the sacred French relay world champions in Germany

 On Saturday, France offered the gold medal in relay, in front of Norway, favorite, during the world biathlon in Germany. It is the first title in men's relay for the Blues since 2020.

The biathletes French were crowned relay world champions on Saturday February 18 in Oberhof, Germany. They imposed themselves before the great Norwegian favorites, depriving Johannes Boe of a sixth coronation during these worlds.

France, carried by Quentin Fillon Maillet in the last relay, won his third medal in these championships, after the title of Julia Simon in pursuit and the bronze of the mixed relay in opening. Sweden completes the podium in this disputed race under very windy conditions.

It is the first title in men's relays for France since 2020, an event dominated by Norwegians since the start of the season.

Thirty-nine seconds ahead of Norway

In difficulty since the start of these championships, the French team was perfectly launched by Antonin Guigonnat, who passed the baton in front of the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

Solid to shooting, Fabien Claude and Emilien Jacquelin allowed France to stay at the outposts, under the threat of the Norwegians, returned in the first three after a bad start.

In the position of last relay, Quentin Fillon Maillet was the author of a sumptuous last shot which enabled him to cross the finish line with almost 39 seconds ahead of Norway, despite the return of the inevitable Johannes Boe. The five-time world champion aimed at a sixth coronation during these World-2023, before a possible Grand Slam on Sunday during the mass start, which would have been new.

The women's relay takes place later in the afternoon. The mass starts will close this fortnight Sunday.

With AFP