French biathletes were crowned relay world champions on Saturday February 18 in Oberhof, Germany.
They imposed themselves in front of the big Norwegian favorites, depriving Johannes Boe of a sixth coronation during these worlds.
France, carried by Quentin Fillon Maillet in the last relay, won its third medal in these championships, after the title of Julia Simon in pursuit and the bronze in the mixed relay in the opening.
Sweden completes the podium in this race contested in very windy conditions.
This is the first men's relay title for France since 2020, an event dominated by the Norwegians since the start of the season.
What is the pride of champions?
That's it: @antoguigo, @fabien_claude1, @EmilienJck and @quentinfillon Relay World Champions 🥇🥇🥇🥇
FANTASTIOUE ❤️
📸: FFS |
Nordic Focus pic.twitter.com/fLizSSve9l
– FFS - French Ski Federation (@FedFranceSki) February 18, 2023
Thirty-nine seconds ahead of Norway
In difficulty since the start of these championships, the French team was perfectly launched by Antonin Guigonnat, who passed the baton in the lead ahead of the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
Solid in shooting, Fabien Claude and Emilien Jacquelin allowed France to stay at the forefront, under threat all the same from the Norwegians, who returned to the top three after a bad start.
In the position of last runner, Quentin Fillon Maillet was the author of a sumptuous last shot which allowed him to cross the finish line with nearly 39 seconds ahead of Norway, despite the return of the inevitable Johannes Boe.
The five-time world champion was aiming for a sixth coronation at these Worlds-2023, before a possible Grand Slam on Sunday during the mass start, which would have been unprecedented.
The women's relay takes place later in the afternoon.
The mass starts will end this fortnight on Sunday.
With AFP
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