Kontiolahti, Finland – Fresh off a dominant showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Anterselva, Italy, where French biathletes secured medals in 10 of 11 events, the French team now sets its sights on the seventh stage of the Biathlon World Cup in Kontiolahti, Finland, from March 5th to 8th. The competition marks a return to the World Cup circuit for a team brimming with confidence and led by two athletes currently wearing the coveted yellow bibs.
Éric Perrot and Lou Jeanmonnot arrive in Finland as the overall leaders in the World Cup standings, aiming to extend their leads over a competitive field. Adding to the French strength, triple Olympic champion Julia Simon will also be competing, making for a formidable lineup.
Schedule of Events: Kontiolahti Biathlon World Cup
The action kicks off on Thursday, March 5th, with the women’s individual race at 17:05 local time (15:05 UTC). The men’s individual event follows on Friday, March 6th, at 18:10 local time (16:10 UTC).
Saturday, March 7th, features the women’s mass start at 13:40 local time (11:40 UTC) and the men’s relay at 15:40 local time (13:40 UTC).
The competition concludes on Sunday, March 8th, with the women’s relay at 13:30 local time (11:30 UTC) and the men’s mass start at 16:55 local time (14:55 UTC).
French Hopes Rest on Perrot and Jeanmonnot
Both Perrot and Jeanmonnot enter Kontiolahti in peak form, mirroring the trajectories of their predecessors. Like Quentin Fillon Maillet before his successful 2022 Beijing Olympics, both athletes currently wear the yellow bib, signifying their leadership in the overall World Cup standings. Perrot has secured four victories during the 2025-2026 season, although Jeanmonnot is also proving to be a consistent threat.
Perrot, in particular, is drawing inspiration from Fillon Maillet’s performance in Beijing, where “QFM” captured five medals, including two gold medals in the individual and pursuit events. “I’m going to draw inspiration from the strength that Quentin had, from what he managed to put in place to win those gold medals,” Perrot stated.
The connection between the two biathletes extends beyond shared success. Remarkably, Perrot and Fillon Maillet are currently sharing a room at the hotel near the Anterselva Olympic site, fostering a unique mentorship dynamic. “If we can pile up the medals in room 205, that would be great. I hope we can share them,” Fillon Maillet quipped, adding, “We’ll have another good chance for medals in the men’s relay on February 17th.”
Perrot has consistently acknowledged Fillon Maillet’s guidance throughout his career. “He’s someone who has helped me a lot in my career to reach the level I’m at today,” Perrot humbly admitted.
How to Watch
Fans can follow all the action live from Kontiolahti on L’Équipe and Eurosport 1. The broadcasts will provide comprehensive coverage of all races, offering viewers a front-row seat to witness the world’s best biathletes compete.
The Biathlon World Cup in Kontiolahti represents a crucial opportunity for athletes to solidify their positions in the overall standings as the season progresses. With the momentum from the Winter Olympics still fresh, the French team, led by Perrot, Jeanmonnot and Simon, will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. The Finnish venue promises thrilling races and a showcase of skill, endurance, and precision shooting.
Following Kontiolahti, the biathlon circuit will continue with further World Cup stages, building towards the culmination of the season and setting the stage for future competitions. The performances in Finland will undoubtedly have implications for team selections and individual strategies as athletes prepare for upcoming challenges.
The Kontiolahti event is a key checkpoint in the season, and fans will be eager to observe if Perrot and Jeanmonnot can maintain their impressive form and further cement their positions at the top of the Biathlon World Cup standings.
