The phoenix rose above the snow of Anterselva. After being consumed in a year 2019 with the taste of ashes, Martin Fourcade, 31 years old, became flamboyant again, this Wednesday, February 19, in Italy, by winning on the individual (20 km) his first world title since 2017 in front of his rival Johannes Boe.
An eleventh solo coronation - pending the mass start on Sunday - which makes the Frenchman equal to the Norwegian legend Ole Einar Bjoerndalen. "I think I have never seen Martin so moved on a protocol podium at the World Cup," says his big brother Simon, now coaching French juniors. He arrived flayed, with a total questioning in the off-season. He showed everyone and especially himself that he knew how to bounce back. "
The arrival of Martin Fourcade with the best provisional time ... 🇫🇷👀
We're going to cross our fingers 🤞 # lequipeBIATHLON pic.twitter.com/JZuaSQrLy0
Also present in the Italian station, Marcel, the father of the five-time Olympic champion, appreciated. "He managed to beat the adversity around him but also in him," he breathes. He had to overcome a lot to get this medal. "Last year was a season of suffering, which was cut short, which did not allow him to compete with his opponents," he recalls. We are not going to say that it was a pitiful season, but he could not go away like that… ”
"He's close to the exit door." Ten years ago, he pointed the tip of his nose on the tracks of the Vancouver Games (Editor's note: money on the mass start) and, today, he borders on the apotheosis by equaling the Bjoerndalen record, summarizes the father by Martin Fourcade. It's a long way and this medal has a special taste. She was eagerly awaited. He couldn't leave these Worlds simply with money. "
"He wants to be the best"
One thing is certain for the Fourcade. You really have to be called Martin to be capable of such a renaissance. "There is pride, pride, but it is not enough," smiles Marcel. It's just because it's him. I know his niac. He could have slammed the door in 2019, no one would have taken that as a defeat. With such a track record, he could largely benefit from an orange juice in the Bahamas while waiting for it to pass. There is something unique to drawing mental resources from within to return. "
With passion for the engine. "Already, he doesn't like to lose," slips Simon. He wants to be the best and he just loves his sport. He is not looking for records, to match Bjoerndalen has not animated him in recent days. "
A little reminder of the Martin Champion Fourcade prize list. At 31 years old. Here. With this, that will be all. pic.twitter.com/rETQLqByZE
- Mary Patrux (@MaryPatrux) February 19, 2020With his comrades from the France team, the leader of the Blues has also found a second youth. "It boosts him enormously because he arrives at a time when he wants to transmit," continues his elder. It gives it a new lease of life. When you've won everything, you need to reinvent yourself. Challenging yourself with your friends just spices it up. "
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Will it be enough to give the Habs the motivation to see beyond 2020? “Everything can change. I don't even know if he knows his decision himself, ”says Simon. "We were in Grand-Bornand (Editor's note: in December) , we are here and we will also be in Oslo for the end of the season, loose Marcel. These are important dates that have the flavor of posterity, since they take us straight towards his disappearance from the poster if he decides to stop. It can support his decision. It's always best to start on a good note. But only he can be sure… ”