Biathlon: Justine Braisaz-Bouchet eighth overall, but double world champion
Although Justine Braisaz-Bouchet didn ‘t win the crystal globe as much as she would have liked this winter (2024/2025) and finished eighth in the final overall ranking, the Beaufort native shone at the World Championships in Lenzerheide (Switzerland). She won the relay and got a tan in the pursuit, but above all she became world champion in the sprint.
What stands out for me is her ability to be there on D-Day for a major championship,” her coach Cyril Burdet told Nordic Magazine. In fact, with the exception of the Oslo-Holmenkollen sprint, her consistency in the sprints, in which she played for the small globe right up to the last moment, was impressive. What’s more, she once again demonstrated her ability to be the fastest on skis for most of the winter.
Sixth in Hochfilzen (Austria), fourth in Oberhof (Germany), first in Le Grand-Bornand (Haute-Savoie) and second in Nove Mesto (Czech Republic), Justine Braisaz-Bouchet really shone in this format.
More difficulties with four-shot races
On the other hand, we have to admit that there’s still a bit of work to be done to stabilise her performances on the four-shot courts so that she’s as consistent there as she is on the two-shot courts,” notes Cyril Burdet. Even so, we know she’s capable of anything, and I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that this is nothing new. That’s what’s going to be at stake with her this spring, when we’re going to take the time to look at her preparation and how she works, to find the keys and improve the consistency of her shooting.
Does this mean that Justine Braisaz-Bouchet ‘s habit of skipping certain French team training sessions to spend time with her family needs to be reconsidered?
“Everything is on the table, but his personal and family balance is also a factor,” replies his coach. The discussion has not yet taken place.
- Cyril Burdet talks to Nordic Magazine about the French women’s excellent 2024/2025 season: “Everyone’s making a contribution”.
- Julia Simon’s 2024/2025 season as seen by Cyril Burdet: “Her ability to bounce back and cope with difficulty is incredible”.
- Eric Perrot’s 2024/2025 season as seen by Simon Fourcade: “He’s really a very mature person, and he’s continuing to chart his course”.
- Cyril Burdet on Océane Michelon’s 2024/2025 season: “She’s undoubtedly the revelation of the winter”.
- Simon Fourcade’s view of Emilien Jacquelin’s 2024/2025 season: “This is the third year in a row that he has struggled to achieve at the World Championships”.
