Biathlon: two places at stake in November in Bessans for six French women in the running
In exactly one month’s time, the FFS biathlon selections in Bessans (Savoie) will get underway. The first of the three Savoie races will take place on 15 November.
As revealed in our columns a few weeks ago, these competitions will be used to complete the French women’s team for the first two stages of the World Cup, scheduled for Östersund (Sweden) and Hochfilzen (Austria).
As things stand, Julia Simon, Jeanne Richard, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Océane Michelon and Lou Jeanmonnot have already secured their places. Two tickets remain to be distributed , for which Voldiya Galmace-Paulin, Camille Bened, Gilonne Guigonnat, Amandine Mengin, Sophie Chauveau and Paula Botet are competing.
It’s the best way to keep an open mind so that everyone gets a chance,” Cyril Burdet, the French senior team’s fitness coach, tells Nordic Magazine. It’s the best way of making sure we have the best possible team for the opening round of the World Cup, given the squad we have. I think it’s a relatively balanced way of both giving everyone a chance and having the best team possible.
Disappointed players will automatically be placed in the IBU Cup.
This selection method is entirely logical , given the decision taken in the spring to bring together all the biathletes in the balance in a single team , taking part in the same training sessions as the national stars.
It makes sense to create Group B,” confirms Cyril Burdet, ” but that’s also why we’re all working together. We’re aware that we have talent at every level and that we need to continue to bring it to life.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the disappointed selections are already guaranteed a place in the IBU Cup at the start of December.
The names of the Frenchwomen vying for the last two World Cup places
- Paula Botet – ARMÉE DE CHAMPIONS / La Bressaude Ski Section (Massif des Vosges) 🇫🇷
- Sophie Chauveau – ARMÉE DE CHAMPIONS / Ski Club Grand Bornand (Mont Blanc) 🇫🇷
- Camille Bened – Ski Club Chablais Nordic (Mont Blanc) 🇫🇷
- Voldiya Galmace-Paulin – Ski Club Villard sur Boëge (Mont Blanc) 🇫🇷
- Gilonne Guigonnat – Ski Club Villard sur Boëge (Mont Blanc) 🇫🇷
- Amandine Mengin – La Bressaude Ski Section (Massif des Vosges) 🇫🇷
The full programme for the FFS selections in Bessans (Savoie)
Saturday 15 November
- women’s U21/SEN 7.5 km sprint
- Men’s U21/SEN 10 km sprint
Sunday 16 November
- women’s U21/SEN 10 km mass-start
- mass-start 12.5 km U21/SEN men
Tuesday 18th November
- women’s U21/SEN 7.5 km sprint
- Men’s U21/SEN 10 km sprint
- The last men’s place awarded to Geilo, two women’s tickets at stake in Bessans: we know where and when the French team selections will take place for the start of the World Cup.
- Three races in four days, two sprints and a mass-start: the programme and dates for the traditional FFS selections in Bessans.
- Camille Bened, Voldiya Galmace-Paulin, Paula Botet, Gilonne Guigonnat, Amandine Mengin and Sophie Chauveau: they will be fighting for two World Cup tickets in Bessans.
- Seven pre-qualifiers, five places up for grabs: there won’t be many tickets up for grabs for the IBU Cup at the selections in Bessans from 15 to 18 November.
