Sophie Chauveau returns to competition

Biathlete Sophie Chauveau from Bornand made her return to competition during the Summer Tour d'Arçon in the Saugeais region, marking her first race since March. Chauveau had been seriously concussed in June after a training bike accident and was out of the French B team until September.

Chauveau's performance and reflections

At the Florence Baverel stadium, Chauveau finished second in both the sprint and pursuit events, trailing behind Lou Jeanmonnot. She expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting the difficulty of the track and the impact of the summer break on her skiing, while praising her shooting skills.

Upcoming World Cup selection

Chauveau will compete for a spot in the World Cup during the FFS selections in Bessans (Savoie) on November 12, 14, and 15. These selections will determine her eligibility for international competition.

Stadium's significance and future

The Summer Tour d'Arçon supports the senior national championships of the pursuit, which are scheduled for this weekend in the Saugeais. The Florence Baverel stadium will celebrate its 20th anniversary during the Summer Tour 2026, with paid access to the stadium for the first time in its history.

Charity efforts and event highlights

During the Summer Tour d'Arçon, clothes belonging to Lou Jeanmonnot and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet were sold to raise funds for a charitable cause. The track was described as "extremely demanding" by Ilann Dupont, a local athlete from Doubs.

Youth and national championships

The event included national senior championships of the pursuit, along with summer championships for U17, U19, and U21 age groups. The yellow bib and access to the Bessans selections were key objectives for many participants.

International participation

Several foreign athletes, including Coralie Langel, Mareike Braun, Linus Kesper, Erika Jänkä, Sam Parmantier, and Paul-Mehdi Benhayoun, joined the competition, facing off against French biathletes.

Youth champions and their achievements

Pauline Lafoux from Montblanaise won the U17 women's sprint, while Nathan Cordelier from Haut-Savoyard won the U17 men's sprint. Both spoke to Nordic Magazine about their victories.

National champions and standout performances

Lou Jeanmonnot dominated the sprint, while Louise Roguet won the U21 category with a perfect 10/10 shooting score. Roguet called it "the first of my entire life." Thaïs Royet from Bornand won the U19 sprint, and Oscar Lombardot triumphed with a perfect shot.

Continued success in pursuit events

Martin Fourcade, Vincent Defrasne, Emilien Jacquelin, Marie Dorin-Habert, Caroline Colombo, Anaïs Bescond, and Julia Simon have already secured their titles as national summer champions of the pursuit.

Youth competition results

Léonie Chateigner-Létinois won the U17 pursuit after Pauline Lafoux was penalized. Nils Grognieux won the U17 men's sprint, and Jeanne Dautheville won the U19 women's pursuit.

Perfect performances and double wins

Martin Minazzi from Villardien shot 20/20 in the U19 pursuit, and Oscar Lombardot won the national pursuit ahead of Théo Guiraud-Poillot and Valentin Lejeune. Léo Carlier achieved a double win in the U21 category.

Lou Jeanmonnot's historic title

Lou Jeanmonnot was crowned national champion of the pursuit for her 17th national title, while Fany Bertrand shone during the event. Oscar Lombardot expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, "I came to do beautiful races and I managed to do two beautiful races."

Charity contribution from event

The sale of Lou Jeanmonnot's clothes in Arçon raised 6,000 euros for the "Les Amis de la Pédiatrie" association, supporting pediatric care.