Biathlon: 2nd success in a row for Lou Jeanmonnot, victorious at the finish of the pursuit in Östersund

The dream weekend continues for Lou Jeanmonnot. Victorious for the first time in her young career in the sprint in Östersund (Sweden) this Friday, the 25-year-old Frenchwoman converted her first success with a second during the pursuit this Sunday.

Already impeccable in shooting during the sprint (10/10), she signed a new flawless performance behind the rifle (20/20) this Sunday, after starting in first position with just nine seconds ahead. In a duel throughout the race with the German Franziska Preuss (1 fault), the French biathlete ended up taking the lead thanks to a very good sprint. Jeanmonnot finished on the line with only three tenths ahead of the German. Another German, Vanessa Voigt (1 fault), completes the podium, 18 seconds behind.

Until this weekend, Lou Jeanmonnot had never been on the podium in either a sprint or a pursuit. The 25-year-old from Jura, who made her debut in the big leagues less than three years ago, is only experiencing her second full season in the World Cup. It was his 31st individual start on the main circuit.

First top 10 of winter for Simon

She only had two career podiums acquired last season: a second place on the individual in Ruhpolding in Germany last January, another on the mass start in Östersund last March. She can now boast of having two successes under her belt, even three this season if we count the mixed relay last Saturday.

Her two victories in three individual races since the start of the season bring her to second place in the general World Cup standings, three points behind Preuss (197 against 200).

Julia Simon, holder of the big crystal globe, scored her first top 10 of the winter. Starting in 16th position with 51 seconds behind, she climbed to seventh place, with an 18/20 shooting, more than a minute behind Jeanmonnot. Further on, Sophie Chauveau finished 12th (2 faults) and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet finished 15th (3 faults).