Biathlon : Julia Simon back on the podium
Second in the pursuit at the Biathlon World Cup in Le Grand-Bornand (Haute-Savoie) on Saturday afternoon, Julia Simon from Beaufort was back on the podium, having missed out on the individual podium since the mass-start in Kontiolahti (Finland). After the official ceremony, she answered questions from the press in the mixed zone.
- You said after the sprint, which finished in seventh place on Friday, that you could see the end of the tunnel in terms of your sensations. After coming second in the pursuit, is that really the case?
It was a beautiful, intense race. Skiing with Anamarija Lampic is no picnic. She skis really fast. I’m happy with my pursuit, I had good sensations and a very good feeling on the shooting range with the French public pushing us. I had a blast!
- What do you say to yourself at the finish line when you know you’re second?
I already left the shooting range not knowing how far behind Franziska [Preuss] was. I quickly realised at the top of the second climb that she was now untouchable. My family and friends were up there so I took the opportunity to say hello to the crowd. It was pure fun. I was also looking behind because I knew that Jeanne [Richard] was in the battle. I had a little hope of a double podium. I think she’s gained a lot of experience and I’ve had a lot of fun.
- Are you feeling better and better?
I feel I’ve got the weapons to fight. I’ve still got a bit under my belt, I still need a bit of competition. I’m better, I’m a bit calmer when I get on the mats. I don’t feel like I’m just going through the motions of the race. I feel a bit more in my element, which is nice.
- Does that mean you have the energy for the mass-start?
Of course! After that, we’ll see if the energy gauge is full and where it stands in relation to my rivals. It’s likely to be a rainy day, with maybe some wind. I’ll probably have to be the cleverest and tighten up my footbraces on the shooting range.
