Biathlon Pokljuka World Cup: Debrief by Fréderic Jean | Nordic Mag | #1 Biathlon
Biathlon: Pokljuka World Cup as seen by Frédéric Jean
throughout the winter, will brief a retired French biathlete Nordic magazine Different stages of the World Cup, as well as Oberhof Worlds (Germany). It’s your turn Frederic Jean17 starts at the World Cup, but above all the former successful coach of the French women’s team, to start a comeback Pokljuka World Cup (Slovenia).
Star of the week: Johannes Thingnes Boe
“It’s been seen and seen again, but Johannes’ performance [Thingnes Boe] last week is really highlight! He went for his hundredth podium, but above all he has shown that he has dominated the circuit this season. Even though it’s only January, I think the general classification is already folded! Finally, we are halfway through the individual racing season. Sturla [Holm Lægreid] he can still come and play with it, but there is a gap in the back. »
“We’ve seen athletes win and win again in the past, but what’s amazing is the gaps. It is the stratosphere. This year he is used to winning all the sprints, but he is putting more on top of that. Soon we will be ahead of the minute of the second! He hates others and leaves them only scraps. It sounds crazy to say that since you’re training to win, but for the rest, you shouldn’t ignore Johannes [Thingnes Boe] and aiming for second place. »
“Last year he was a four-time Olympic champion in Beijing before his season ended. He focused his preparation on the Olympics, which he fully achieved and set the benchmark before resting. In this choice, he was smart and very smart. This allowed him to quietly complete the construction of his house, get used to his new living area, enjoy his child and wife, and rest in peace. Back in training, he was a fighting machine! It was clear and certain that he would hit the table very hard this season. He is currently at the level he was when he fought Martin [Fourcade]. »
Highlight of the week: Swiss podium for Niklas Hartweg and Amy Baserga in the individual medley relay
“I loved their simple mixed relay attitude and what they did to get that podium when there was no one in front of them. Niklas Hartweg scored the podium in Kontiolahti’s individual performance and only confirmed at the back. Amy Basergan, who was world junior champion a few years ago, doesn’t yet have the level for individual podiums, but she’s making progress. Without tarnishing the victory of the French mixed relay in the other race, I really fell in love with this Swiss podium! »
Comeback of the week: Marte Olsbu Roeiseland
“We should not bury him. He’s back and already doing a nice top 10 in the chase! It’s great when you know the level you need to stay up to speed. He prepared himself, so what he did became stronger! I put marbles on him for the world championship because he knows he won’t win the general. When you know his character and his strength to prepare for big events, I think he will be very tough at the World Championships. For sure. »
Duel of the week: Julia Simon against Elvira Oeberg for Yellow Apron
“This duel is great for biathlon because it keeps everyone on their toes. I know Julian [Simon] and there, he is not yet at his physical best, and yet he is still on the podium. I think he manages to catch Elvira [Oeberg] from a distance, because even if the Swede wins, Julia stays behind to fight. He really has the shoulders to wear that yellow apron with pride because he never lets up. »
“The thing that stood out to me last week was that he did a good job of limiting the breakdown despite his poor physical condition. He mastered the work he gathered on set over three years with Jean-Paul Giacchino, and now it’s paying off. In the face of adversity, he still manages to get podiums that allow him to keep his yellow bib. »
Frenchman of the week: Quentin Fillon-Maillet
“With the season he had last year, they were waiting for him at the corner from the first race of Kontiolahti. But it took a while to unlock. Everyone knew that he was fighting to leave and that he would be free at some point. But he arrived there, as usual, not in the second week in Hochfilzen, but at the beginning of 2023 in Pokljuka. This is a catwalk that, in my opinion, will give it a click and break the psychological lock. It will be good for Ruhpolding and Antholz before the world championships in Oberhof. »
Greetings of the week: Pokljuka site
“With the current conditions and the lack of snow in Central Europe, the organizers have done a great job of maintaining and hosting this World Cup in great conditions. This then allows them to host the canceled IBU Cup round of Arber. It deserves to be applauded and congratulated because we had to work hard to achieve it. »
