Biathlon: Nathanaël Peaquin’s golden mass-start
On a snowy Wednesday morning, Savoie biathlete Nathanaël Peaquin took part in the closing mass-start of the Turin 2025 World University Games. Twice fourth in the sprint/chase combination, this time the Féclaz native made his mark by winning the event.
Nathanaël Peaquin won the solo race in Pragelato (Italy), beating compatriot Axel Garnier to the top of the podium. A few hours after his victory, he spoke to Nordic Magazine. Interview.
- How were you feeling going into this mass-start after two individual fourth places in the sprint/chase combination?
It was a complicated race. It’s a 15 km course and, on top of that, it started snowing halfway through the race. There are quite a few good shooters in this competition, especially the Ukrainians and the Kazakhs, so it wasn’t easy. In terms of my state of mind, of course I wanted to do well! We French knew we had what it took to go for the medals. I’d twice failed to reach the foot of the podium, so I had my teeth into it. At the same time, it was quite relaxed, because above all, you had to enjoy yourself.

- To sum up your race, you were in hiding until the last lap when you signed the 5/5 to come out on top…
It wasn’t a strategy to stay hidden because I suffered the bullets being thrown out… I stayed in the race right to the end and managed to put the balls in the last shot when the doors had been opened by the others. I was able to get inside! It was still a pretty stressful shot and I managed to come out on top.
“I hope that this gold medal will give me the confidence I need to set off on other adventures”.Nathanaël Peaquin at Nordic Magazine
- How did you experience this final solo cross-country ski race and the white-white-and-red flag in your hands that crowned you world university champion?
The last lap really wasn’t easy with the snow, so I was very happy to arrive, to meet up with my team mates, the staff and my father, who had made the trip! It was really good to be able to share it with him.

- What does this gold medal mean to you?
It’s a reward for all our hard work. We’ve been training hard and it’s really pleasing when it pays off. Above all, it’s a gold medal, so it has a different flavour, even more so on a mass-start! It’s an achievement and a relief. I hope that this gold medal will help me to build up my confidence and take off for other adventures.
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