Biathlon: Emilien Claude back in the World Cup
This Tuesday, 25-year-old biathlete Emilien Claude from the Vosges will compete in Kontiolahti (Finland) in his first World Cup race since the sprint in Lenzerheide (Switzerland) on 15 December 2023. Sixty-eighth on that day, the rider from Bassur was then relegated to the IBU Cup and endured a difficult second half of the season, despite a return to the limelight in March in Obertilliach (Austria).
At the start of this winter, Emilien Claude seems to have rediscovered his form, showing the technical staff that he deserved to return to the most prestigious of circuits last week during the sprints inIdre Fjäll (Sweden). He will therefore take part in the Finnish individual short race in the afternoon. With number 5 in the draw, he could be the surprise of the day.
In any case, his big brother Fabien Claude is delighted with his return to the World Cup. “He had a disappointing season last year. He started off really well in the world cup with a top 10, then fell ill and was weakened by bacteria in his stomach. It was complicated for him because the season was slipping away while he was being treated. He’s back with a big level and a big desire, he told Nordic Magazine. I’m really happy for him and I can’t wait to see how he performs. He skied very fast in the IBU Cup, within the times of the very best who were ahead of him in Sjusjøen.”
The aim now is to shine in the World Cup
Austrian Anna Gandler, the Frenchman’s girlfriend in civilian life for the last three years, is also delighted with Emilien Claude’s comeback in the World Cup.
“I’m really happy for him. He had some good races at Idre Fjäll and trained really well this summer. He’s progressed, he deserves it, she begins. I’m also happy for myself because it’s part of my family coming back to the World Cup. When he’s here, I’m less nervous and I know that if I miss a race, I’ll have someone who’ll be there for me.”
For Emilien Claude, however, selection for the World Cup is not an end in itself. The goal for the biathlete from Basse-sur-le-Rupt (Vosges) is to shine: “He’s going to be able to do some great things and I hope he does, confirms Fabien Claude. He’s had several difficult seasons, each time failing to make the cut. This was an intermediate objective, because what counts is performing well in the World Cup.”
Starting this Tuesday, in the individual short in Kontiolahti, Emilien Claude will be looking to add some style to his comeback on the biggest of all biathlon circuits. “I’m not going to give up, the hard work will pay off one day”, he promised last March in our columns. The Vosges native now has the chance to put his words into action.
- The verdict is in: Emilien Claude and Antonin Guigonnat join Kontiolahti and the World Cup
- “There was no ambiguity”: Stéphane Bouthiaux explains to Nordic Magazine why Emilien Claude and Antonin Guigonnat won their place in the World Cup
- Kontiolahti: the start list for the individual men’s short event
