Biathlon: Maëlle Achoui heads for the Junior Cup
The French biathlon team that travelled to Goms (Switzerland) on Monday for the first leg of the 2025/2026 Junior Cup included two U19s: Juliette Oliva and Maëlle Achoui, who train together as part of the Mont-Blanc committee.
For the latter, who took part in last winter’s European Youth Olympic Festival in Georgia, this will be a major first.
“I had it in mind, but it wasn’t necessarily my main objective. I’m still young in the category of girls who could be selected, but I’m even more aware of the level and the competition there was,” she explained to Nordic Magazine.
“I’m going to give it my all
More than up to scratch after the French Cup sprint in Bessans (Savoie) , with a fourth place overall and a second place among the qualifiers, Maëlle Achoui dropped back in the rankings in the mass-start the following day. However, this enabled her to secure her ticket for the Junior Cup.
“I’m really happy to be taking part. I see it as a great opportunity to learn and progress without too many objectives. I’m going to give it my all,” promises the member of the Villard-sur-Boëge Ski Club, likeVoldiya Galmace-Paulin and Gilonne Guigonnat. It’s going to be a great experience, especially as I’ll be up against some bigger names who have had more international experience than me.
Inspired by its predecessors
For Maëlle Achoui, this first Junior Cup cap launches her into the jungle of international biathlon, through which all today’s greatest athletes have passed. For example, Lou Jeanmonnot won the overall circuit title in 2018.
“These are my first experiences, but when I see all the others who have been there, it certainly makes you want to do it and it’s inspiring and motivating to give it everything and try to do a good biathlon”, concludes the Montblanc native, who trained this summer in Goms with her committee.
- The French team selection for the Junior Cup in Goms
- Bessans: Lisa Siberchicot wins the women’s sprint in the French Cup, Maëlle Achoui tops the U19 ranking
- “Maëlle Achoui, who will be aiming for the World Youth Championships this winter, reflects on her U19 double at the Summer Tour in La Féclaz.
- “I’m proud of myself for not giving up”: Maëla Correia, qualifies for the Junior Cup for the first time after a rollercoaster selection process
- “I want to enjoy myself and gain experience”: this week, Jurassien Enzo Bouillet will discover the Junior Cup in Goms.
