Biathlon: Jacques Jefferies on his World Cup debut… in Le Grand-Bornand
Following in the footsteps of Switzerland’s Coralie Langel on Thursday, Britain’s Jacques Jefferies will discover the biathlon World Cup circuit this Friday afternoon in the fury of the Sylvie-Becaert stadium in Le Grand-Bornand (Haute-Savoie).
And not just any way, as the Haut-Savoyard from Les Gets (Haute-Savoie) with British parents won the jackpot in the draw: the number 1 bib.
It took me by surprise, but it’s going to be an incredible experience,” he laughs for Nordic Magazine. I’ll be starting my first World Cup with bib number 1. There are people who would dream of being able to do something like that. I’m going to be the first athlete to go around the track and hopefully the first to cross the finish line. It’s going to be so exciting!
“I know I’ll have support, even as a neighbouring country”.
Understandably “very happy” and aware of the “incredible opportunity” he has to take his first steps on the World Cup circuit after having taken part in just two stages of the IBU Cup circuit in his new British colours, Jacques Jefferies will be racing on home soil.
I’m with the Haute-Savoie Nordic Team and Le Grand-Bornand is our base camp,” he says. It’s the site I know best, even if the pistes and shooting range are ephemeral and will disappear in a week’s time. I’m still in an environment that I know, and I know a lot of people here. I know I’ll have support, even as a neighbouring country. That’s what’s incredible.
Top 60 target to take part in the pursuit
In fact, it was when the World Cup came through the village of Le Grand-Bornand around ten years ago that he really fell in love with the sport. ” Being able to come back here as an athlete is pretty special,” admits Jacques Jefferies.
“Despite all that, I’m determined to succeed and I’ve set myself the target of starting in the pursuit. I think my results in the IBU Cup at the start of the winter show that I’m capable of doing it. You can’t hide from it and you have to give it your all. It’s going to be a crazy experience”, he concludes.
