Biathlon: first IBU Cup success for Voldiya Galmace-Paulin
On Wednesday afternoon, Voldiya Galmace-Paulin triumphed in the IBU Cup for the first time in her career. A member of the federal Excellence 2030 group last summer, the 19-year-old Montblanc native, born in Lille (Nord), is enjoying an exceptional season. After discovering the B circuit at the end of November, she has put in one magnificent performance after another, barely breaking the top 6 since the start of January.
As a result, Voldiya Galmace-Paulin won the sprint at Ridnaun-Val Ridanna (Italy). I’m obviously really happy,” she enthused toNordic Magazine. I think it’s one of the best races I’ve ever done. I was really fit on the piste, I felt good, and the 10/10 in the shooting, I’m really proud of that!
A 10/10 on target to clinch victory
Starting with bib 57, just about in the middle of the start list, the member of the Villard-sur-Boëge ski club was boosted by an ideal start on skis.
I had a good feeling,” she confirms. Then I did a prone shot which went really well at 5/5. I was under a bit of pressure before I got to the standing shot, because it’s often on this shot that I can have a few minor setbacks.
By concentrating on her technical points, Voldiya Galmace-Paulin nevertheless managed to clear all five targets on the shooting range. “That 10/10 is what I’m looking for in every sprint, and when I get it, it’s just great fun! I put up a good fight on those two shots,” she says.
Especially as the Frenchwoman was coming off a difficult week on an individual level at the European Championships: “I’m happy to have reacted in this sprint,” says the Haut-Savoyard.
Taking the lead at the start of a chase, a first
While her team-mates Sophie Chauveau, Paula Botet and Gilonne Guigonnat, all in the top 6 of this sprint which she dominated, are fighting this week for a place at the world championships in Lenzerheide (Switzerland), the youngest of the group did not let herself be distracted.
I don’t necessarily think about the fact that the girls are playing for a place at the Worlds,” she admits. What matters is the enormous density in our team. There are still five of us in the top 6, so it’s a crazy day for us! That’s what drives us to give it our all.
On Friday, Voldiya Galmace-Paulin will be leading the pursuit, a first for her at international level. “It’s going to be a bit special! I know that I can’t put any pressure on myself and that it’s a race that can give me experience,” she concludes.
- The full programme for the Ridnaun-Val Ridanna IBU Cup, the seventh stage of the 2024/2025 B circuit season
- Paula Botet back in contention for a place at the World Championships, only four boys: the French team selection for the IBU Cup in Ridnaun-Val Ridanna
- “We decided to pit them against each other in the IBU Cup”: Paula Botet, Sophie Chauveau and Gilonne Guigonnat will battle it out for sixth place at the Worlds in Ridnaun-Val Ridanna.
- “They each have their own profile”: it’s time for Paula Botet, Gilonne Guigonnat and Sophie Chauveau to battle it out for the last place at the World Championships in Lenzerheide.
- IBU Cup Ridnaun-Val Ridanna: German David Zobel wins the sprint by a whisker ahead of Sivert Guttorm Bakken and Paul Schommer, with Les Bleus outside the top 10
- Ridnaun-Val Ridanna sprint: first IBU Cup victory for Voldiya Galmace-Paulin, second-placed Paula Botet takes a big step towards the Worlds
