France is poised to secure a podium finish at the Ruhpolding World Cup biathlon after Lou Jean‑Monnot claimed second in the women’s sprint. All eyes now turn to the men’s sprint, where 23‑year‑old Emilien Claude, wearing bib 3, aims to convert the team’s momentum into an individual medal in the fiercely competitive field.
Women’s Sprint Highlights
Lou Jean‑Monnot delivered a flawless start on the Ruhpolding track, shooting cleanly except for a single miss in the second stage, which placed her firmly in second place behind Norway. Her performance signals a strong indicator for the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan‑Cortina.
Full Ruhpolding Schedule
- January 14: Men’s sprint – Emilien Claude departs at 10:30.
- January 15: Men’s 4 × 7.5 km relay – French team wins.
- January 16: Women’s 4 × 6 km relay.
- January 17‑18: Pursuit and mass start races for both men and women.
The compact program tests endurance and consistency as the season heads toward the Olympics.
Men’s Relay Victory
The French men’s relay, led by veteran Fabien Claude, dominated with a winning time of 1 hour 15 minutes 32 seconds, finishing 12 seconds ahead of Germany. The strong finish boosted team confidence and set the stage for the upcoming individual sprint.
Emilien Claude: First Bib, First Target
At 23, Emilien Claude carries bib 3, reflecting the federation’s confidence. Recent results include a top‑10 finish at Kontiolahti and improved shooting in the second stage. Key rivals include Norway’s Johannes Bø and Russia’s Anton Shipulin. A finish under 22 minutes 30 seconds is required for a podium chance.
Season and Olympic Implications
Every point earned in Ruhpolding contributes to the overall World Cup rankings, influencing Olympic qualification and national quota allocations. France’s strong showings in both the women’s sprint and men’s relay position them as contenders for top spots in the upcoming Olympic biathlon events.
Conclusion
Following Lou Jean‑Monnot’s impressive second place, French biathlon enters the decisive phase of the Ruhpolding weekend with renewed confidence. The men’s sprint, headlined by Emilien Claude, offers the next opportunity to add a French trophy to the season’s growing list of achievements.
