Biathlon: Julia Simon reinstated in the French team for the Hochfilzen World Cup
This weekend’s Biathlon World Cup event in Hochfilzen (Austria) concerns the French team and Julia Simon.
It has to be said that the Beaufortaine skier is making a major return to competition following a month’s suspension imposed by theFrench Ski Federation’ s (FFS) National Disciplinary Commission following her conviction for theft and fraud at the end of October.
It was a selection that was not open to debate among the Les Bleus staff. For us, it was a no-brainer,” Stéphane Bouthiaux, director of the French teams, told Nordic Magazine. Thanks to her results last season, Julia [Simon] was protected for the first two stages. She won her selection on the basis of last year’s results, like all her team-mates who have A status.
Because of her suspension, she wasn’t able to race in Östersund, but as her suspension came to an end on Monday, it was obvious that if she wanted to, she would be here in Hochfilzen,” continues the French biathlon boss. For her part, she had a strong desire to return to competition as soon as possible.
Solo training between La Féclaz and Les Saisies
During the period when she was banned – to use the words of the federal press release announcing her suspension – from “taking part in competitions and training organised or authorised by the FFS and the IBU”, Julia Simon trained alone on ski-wheels at La Féclaz (Savoie) during the first fortnight of November.
In contact with her coaches Cyril Burdet, Patrick Favre and Jean-Paul Giachino, “she then went home to Les Saisies, where the skiing conditions were very good until last week”, adds Stéphane Bouthiaux.
“As long as she hasn’t contested her first race, it’s difficult to make predictions”.
For the Franc-Comtois, however, it’ s “difficult to expect anything precise” from the ten-time world champion over this weekend.
“It’s wait and see. All we know is that she’s been training very hard and seems to be in good shape,” he concludes. But, until she’s contested her first race, it’s difficult to make any predictions.
This Friday, from 2.15pm, Julia Simon will make her official return to competition in the women’s World Cup sprint in Hochfilzen. The 29-year-old from Savoie will be watched by all.
- “I recognise the facts”: Julia Simon admits to theft and fraud at her trial
- Julia Simon given three-month suspended prison sentence and fined €15,000 in bank card fraud case
- Sentencing of Julia Simon: reaction from the French Ski Federation, which “takes note” of the verdict
- Julia Simon case: FFS national disciplinary committee to meet on 6 November
- “Such behaviour may fall under the code of integrity”: Julia Simon could also be sanctioned by the Biathlon Integrity Unit
- Julia Simon case: how the FFS national disciplinary committee will proceed and the range of sanctions it may impose
- The penalty has been imposed: Julia Simon has been suspended for six months, five of which have been suspended, by the French Ski Federation’s National Disciplinary Commission.
- No training camp or races in Bessans, unable to take part in the Östersund World Cup, eligible for selection for the Olympics: the sporting consequences of Julia Simon’s one-month suspension.
- Julia Simon case: La Beaufortaine does not appeal against her one-month suspension
- Julia Simon suspended for one month: the Biathlon Integrity Unit is waiting for the end of the appeal period to “examine the decision”.
- After Julia Simon’s conviction and sporting suspension, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet says: “The only thing I need is respect and fair play”.
- Suspended, Julia Simon trains on her skis at La Féclaz and continues to keep in touch with her French team coaches.
- The Biathlon Integrity Unit is currently examining the Julia Simon case: “This analysis will be completed by the end of the week”.
- Martin Fourcade on the handling of the Julia Simon affair: “The group has kept its unity, even if it’s not easy”.
- Marie Dorin-Habert gives her opinion on the Julia Simon affair in the French team: “We’re lucky to have victims who manage to keep their composure”.
- Bank card theft case: the Biathlon Integrity Unit decides not to sanction Julia Simon, who will be able to take part in the Hochfilzen World Cup
- Back in the French squad: Julia Simon’s one-month suspension is over
- Julia Simon makes her comeback, Oscar Lombardot replaces Antonin Guigonnat: the French team selection for the Hochfilzen World Cup revealed
- Corinne Niogret, 1992 Olympic relay champion, on the return of Julia Simon after her suspension: “She was punished, she’s back and I wish her a good season”.
