Ruhpolding (Germany) (AFP)

Martin Fourcade continues his momentum: the French won his third victory in 3 races since the start of the year on Thursday, dominating the Ruhpolding sprint to consolidate his position as leader in the general classification of the Biathlon World Cup.

On a Bavarian track that he particularly likes, Fourcade confirmed his clear regain of form, after a last catastrophic exercise and a mixed start to the season. Once again irreproachable behind the rifle (10/10) and once again in point on the physical level, the five-time Olympic champion, 31 years old, continues to take full advantage of the absence due to paternity of Johannes Boe, the holder of the big globe crystal, and chain successes.

At the rate at which Fourcade is currently evolving, the Norwegian would perhaps do well to shorten his break. Because the races parade in 2020 with a monotonous scenario as the Frenchman seems to have metamorphosed, resuming his boss costume after having, like the rest of the circuit, severely undergone the law of the ogre Boe, winner of 5 of the 7 first tests of the season before disappearing.

- 80th career success -

"It's nice. It was a tough race, I didn't have any crazy feelings on the skis. I really had to force myself from start to finish. But it was an excellent biathlon race because I optimized all parts of the race, I managed to save a little time on shooting, I was combative. It is without doubt one of the most demanding stadiums on the circuit and a track which things go very fast. We have no room for error, "said Fourcade on Chaîne L'Equipe after signing his fourth success of the winter, the 80th of his career ahead of Quentin Fillon-Maillet and the German Benedikt Doll.

As usual, the native of Céret, in the Pyrénées-Ortientales, was not, however, the only Frenchman to stand out, the Blues having still managed a good group shot with also the presence in the Top 10 of Simon Desthieux and Fabien Claude, 5th tied, while Emilien Jacquelin (12th) and Antonin Guigonnat (13th) did not have to be ashamed of their race. Symbol of the extraordinary density of the French team, Fourcade is now followed by two of his compatriots in the general classification of the World Cup, Desthieux (2nd) and Fillon-Maillet (3rd), author of his 4th podium in the 'winter.

But no question for Fourcade to think of the gain of an 8th large globe, the still undetermined return of Boe having to logically reshuffle the cards.

"We are not yet in the middle of the season so I am very measured compared to the yellow bib (from the World Cup leader, editor's note), launched the French biathlon icon. focus on the pursuit to come (Sunday, note) ".

© 2020 AFP