The weekend could not have started better for the noisy French fans, weaned from biathlon for two years.

From the first event contested in the Haute-Savoie resort, a Frenchwoman climbed on the podium, saving the honor of a rather struggling team overall.

Bescond was not necessarily the most anticipated among the Blues but the oldest of the group (34) still confirms a return to the fore already noticeable during the three previous stages.

The Franc-Comtoise had thus finished 2nd in the pursuit of Ostersund (Sweden), on December 4, and was also distinguished in the relay (victory in Ostersund, 3rd in Hochfilzen).

A month and a half before the Winter Olympics in Beijing (February 4-20), the triple Olympic medalist suddenly finds himself in the spotlight and seems totally transcended as the big winter meeting approaches, no doubt. the ultimate big challenge of his career.

"The Games galvanize me, it's a fact, she said. The day before yesterday in training, Ole-Einar Bjoerndalen (biathlon legend, editor's note) congratulated me. He told me that I was doing a Nice start to the season, that I was working well, that made me very happy. He told me that I was strong in big events ".

The almost perfect race of Bescond (10/10 shooting), 2nd behind Marte Olsbu Roeiseland and in front of the Swedish Elvira Oeberg, nevertheless constitutes a small miracle, the Frenchwoman dragging a cold for several days.

"Indescribable"

“It’s very unpleasant, I’m completely blocked, it’s really not nice, she said. But it was out of the question for me not to run. Better day. But I had a good shot and I had a good level in skiing even though I would have liked to shoot faster. These races will allow me to arrive at the Games with as many cartridges as possible. "

Even Frédéric Jean, the coach of the French women's team, seemed amazed by the performance of Bescond, who has the art of waking up and reviving each Olympic season.

"+ Nanas +, do not bury her, never, launched the technician. She is an athlete who loves her job, her sport and the Olympic Games. She is so attracted to it that she will be able to given moment to twist and pass to the other side in play mode and to make efforts here and there to arrive exactly as it should. "

The Grand-Bornand sprint podium (from left to right): Anaïs Bescond, winner Marte Olsbu Roeiseland and third Elvira Oeberg, December 16, 2021 OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE AFP

But before thinking of the Olympics, Bescond was especially careful to savor the reunion with the hot French supporters.

"The atmosphere was indescribable, it feels good after almost two years without an audience, living and being in camera, with Covid everywhere, she explained. I experienced it very badly last year. , so having people on the edge of the track, my family, my loved ones, who were able to make the trip, that makes me happy. It's a moment of communion. It's a day that I will keep in memory ".

kn / bde

© 2021 AFP