"A few hours before the start of the last sprint of the season, I must announce that it will also be the last of my career," she wrote on social networks.
"Yes, +all good things must come to an end+. This spring, I will put away my rifle and I assure you that I will miss it. I will be just as moved in the coming days by wearing my last bibs on this site which saw me debut in the World Cup."
"I built myself with and thanks to biathlon. Now I will turn a page to continue my journey," she added.
"It's been going around in my head for several days and I spend a lot of energy doing nothing, just thinking that it's the end, and it's a lot of emotion for me," explained Bescond at the microphone of the L'Equipe channel after Friday's sprint, in which she ranked 37th, 2 min 24 sec from the winner of the day, after four faults.
"It's a special day, it was moving. I'm disappointed to finish my last sprint like this but I fought, as usual. I wanted to finish well and I actually made it last, I made a little extra on the ring of + péna + …”, she smiled.
Aged 34, Anaïs Bescond was a pillar of the Bleues, starting on the World Cup circuit in 2007 before becoming over the years an indisputable holder of the French relay.
Although she has won only one World Cup race on an individual level, she has especially distinguished herself during major events, winning three medals at the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018 (gold in the mixed relay, bronze in the chase and relay).
Bescond also has eight World Championship podiums, including gold in the mixed relay and silver in the individual in 2016.
© 2022 AFP