French biathlon team's historic season

The French women's biathlon team had its most successful season ever during the 2025-2026 winter, marked by strong performances at the Olympic Games and in the World Cup. They earned 8 medals at the Olympics, including 4 golds, and also excelled in the mixed relay event.

Lou Jeanmonnot's World Cup victory

Lou Jeanmonnot claimed the World Cup title, adding to the team's achievements. Other successes included victories in small globes and individual competitions, reinforcing the team’s dominance in women's biathlon.

Key athletes and coaching staff

The team's success is attributed to athletes like Jeanmonnot, Simon, Braisaz-Bouchet, and Michelon, as well as the leadership of coach Cyril Burdet. Burdet has been leading the team since 2022 and is the focus of a recent article on the International Biathlon Union (IBU) website.

Burdet's coaching philosophy

Burdet emphasizes a holistic approach to training, focusing on both physical performance and the emotional and intellectual aspects of the sport. His methods involve identifying each athlete's strengths and working to improve their specific areas of growth.

Team changes and future goals

This summer brought changes to the team, including Justine Braisaz-Bouchet training separately and the retirement of shooting coach Jean-Paul Giachino, who was replaced by Patrick Favre. Despite these shifts, the French team aims to maintain its top position in the sport.

Confidence in future success

Burdet acknowledges that the upcoming season will bring new challenges but remains confident that the team can achieve even greater success, building on its historic performance from the previous winter.