The raid continues for the Blues of the biathlon. Three days after their coronation at Oberhof, the French women’s relay snatched another victory this Wednesday, still in Germany, this time near Ruhpolding ahead of Sweden (+8.7′’) and Germany (+48.7′’ ). All without their leader Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, since it was Lou Jeanmonnot, Jeanne Richard, Sophie Chauveau and Julia Simon who were lined up for the last relay before the World Championships.
Everything started perfectly for the Blues with three very small picks during the first three relays, carried out to perfection by the young French team played by Jeanne Richard, impeccable for her first relay among the big boys. At the same time, their main competitors, the Norwegians, spun twice on the penalty ring to put an end to any hope of victory.
Julia Simon makes it happen
As the last torchbearer, Julia Simon, who is coming off two consecutive victories at Oberhof during the 4th stage of the World Cup (individually in the pursuit, and during the relay) left in the leading group with Germany and Sweden . The 27-year-old Frenchwoman dug the hole with her opponents first with a single draw in the lie-down position, before going flawless in the standing position.
Starting with 13 seconds ahead in the last lap over the Swedish rocket Elvira Öberg, Julia Simon held on until the finish line to sign a seventh French success, in the last seven races on the women’s circuit. Grandiose.
