Biathlon: French Teams 2026

The French Ski Federation has unveiled the composition of the training groups for the upcoming biathlon season, confirming the return of Siegfried Mazet and the retention of Cyril Burdet in the coaching staff. Spring is in full swing, but winter is already on the minds at the French Ski Federation, which announced on Monday the composition of the training groups for the upcoming season. The 2026-27 season will be marked by nine World Cup stages between November 24 and March 21 (including a stage in Grand-Bornand from December 8 to 13) and the Otepää World Championships in Estonia from February 8 to 21. A notable fact is that no biathlete has decided to retire following this Olympic season. They are all gearing up for another round, with most setting their sights on the 2030 Olympics at home.

In the men’s group Elite, notable names include brothers Emilien and Fabien Claude, five-time Olympic champion Quentin Fillon Maillet, Emilien Jacquelin, Oscar Lombardot, World Cup winner Eric Perrot, and 22-year-old Gaëtan Paturel, winner of the IBU Cup and earned the right to compete in the World Cup last month. This group will continue to be coached by Simon Fourcade, with Siegfried Mazet returning as shooting coach after ten years with the Norwegian rivals.

On the women’s side, the Elite group will have one less member compared to the men’s group. From November 24 in Kontiolahti, the lineup includes overall globe holder Lou Jeanmonnot, triple Olympic champion Julia Simon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, and young talents Camille Bened, Ocèane Michelon, and Jeanne Richard. Cyril Burdet has decided to stay on as the coach of the French women, while Julien Robert replaces the retired Jean-Paul Giachino as shooting coach. The focus now is on preparing for the upcoming months to replicate the success of the French biathlon season.

Context: The French Ski Federation has announced the training groups for the upcoming biathlon season, including notable athletes in both the men’s and women’s Elite groups. Fact Check: The article mentions the World Cup stages and the Otepää World Championships as major events in the 2026-27 season.