Lou Jeanmonnot Wins Biathlon World Cup: France Celebrates First Crystal Globe Victory

Jeanmonnot and Perrot Produce History, Claim Biathlon World Cup Titles

Oslo, Norway – In a historic day for French biathlon, Lou Jeanmonnot clinched the 2025/26 Biathlon World Cup Total Score title on Thursday, March 19th, at the Holmenkollen Ski Stadium in Oslo. This victory marks the fifth time a Frenchwoman has achieved this feat. Adding to the celebration, Éric Perrot likewise secured the men’s overall title, marking a rare and significant double for the French team. The accomplishment was solidified by Jeanmonnot’s sixth-place finish in the women’s sprint event, a result that mathematically secured her lead in the overall standings before the final two races of the season.

Lou Jeanmonnot and Éric Perrot celebrate their World Cup victories in Oslo. (Image via La Croix)

A Season of Dominance for Jeanmonnot

The 27-year-vintage Jeanmonnot, hailing from Pontarlier, France, demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the 2025/26 season. Her World Cup debut came in 2021 at Nové Město, but it’s been her recent form that has propelled her to the top of the sport. She has accumulated nine individual victories and a total of twelve wins across all disciplines. Prior to Oslo, Jeanmonnot had already secured the Mass Start discipline title for the 2023/24 season, showcasing her versatility and strength in different biathlon formats.

Jeanmonnot’s success isn’t just about speed on the skis; it’s a combination of precision shooting and strategic racing. She navigated the challenging conditions in Oslo with composure, maintaining her position at the top of the leaderboard despite fierce competition. The biathlon sprint requires athletes to ski a 10km course and complete two shooting rounds – a test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Jeanmonnot’s ability to excel in both areas has been key to her success.

Perrot Completes the French Double

Whereas details surrounding Éric Perrot’s victory are currently limited in available sources, his achievement alongside Jeanmonnot underscores a period of significant growth and success for French biathlon. The simultaneous wins by both athletes represent a high point for the French team, demonstrating depth and talent across both the men’s and women’s programs.

A Glance Back at Jeanmonnot’s Championship Pedigree

This isn’t Jeanmonnot’s first taste of championship success. She previously secured a gold medal in the 4x6km relay at the 2024 Biathlon World Championships in Nové Město. She also contributed to relay gold medals at the 2025 Lenzerheide World Championships, further solidifying her status as a key member of the French team. Her medal count now includes six gold, one silver, and four bronze medals across Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships.

Looking ahead, Jeanmonnot is already confirmed to compete in several events at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games, including the 4x6km relay, mixed relay, 15km individual, and 7.5km sprint. Her current form makes her a strong contender for medals in all of these events.

What’s Next for the Biathlon World Cup?

Despite Jeanmonnot having already secured the overall title, the Biathlon World Cup season isn’t over yet. The final two races in Oslo will still provide opportunities for athletes to compete for podium finishes and valuable World Cup points. The women’s 10km pursuit took place on March 21st, 2026, at Holmenkollen Ski Stadium, and was followed by further events.

Fans can follow Lou Jeanmonnot and the French biathlon team’s progress on the International Biathlon Union’s official website and on social media platforms like X (@biathlonworld) and Instagram (@lou_jml). The team’s success in Oslo is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the growing strength of French biathlon on the world stage.

The victories by Jeanmonnot and Perrot are a significant moment for French sport, and their achievements will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of biathletes in France and beyond.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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