Biathlon: five things to know about Émilien Jacquelin, the French pursuit world champion

He is not the best known of the French biathlon team. But this Sunday, Émilien Jacquelin drew all the light on him by offering himself the continuation of the World Championships in Antholz-Anterselva (Italy).

First victory of his career. This gold medal is the 24-year-old Frenchman's first success in his career. Arrived in 2017 on the World Cup circuit, he had never won. It was only this year that Jacquelin climbed for the first time on a podium: on the mass start of Grand-Bornand then the sprint of Oberhof. With this coronation, the skier from Villard-de-Lans enters the big leagues.

He shares his room with Martin Fourcade. Undoubtedly, being in the bedroom of one of the most medal-winning biathletes in history can help secure the world podiums. Émilien Jacquelin lives almost 24 hours a day with Martin Fourcade, because the two French people share a room during competitions. "I'm very happy for Emilien," rejoiced the five-time Olympic champion after the race. He also believes that the youngest of the tricolor clan "has steps to cross" for the future, but "has the potential to win a World Cup".

Absolute fan of Marco Pantani. Friday was the 16th anniversary of the death of former cyclist Marco Pantani. Émilien Jacquelin, despite his young age, is an absolute fan of the “Italian Pirate”. "When I saw him attacking 60 km from the finish without asking questions, I found it incredible," he says in an article in Le Monde. Fan of bicycle, he did not miss any Tour de France of the 1990s, and in particular the "controversial" victory of Pantani on the Great Loop in 1998.

He has long cycled. This love for the Italian runner inevitably led him to do club cycling. What he liked was attacking, surprising, having fun. Émilien Jacquelin was on a bike until he was 17, in addition to biathlon. But mononucleosis pushes him to stop. He then headed for a career in biathlon. A choice that pays off this season with a first world title, and the first World Cup podiums.

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The butt of his rifle is made by his brother. The new world champion started cross-country skiing at 5 years old and then biathlon at 13-14 years old on the Vercors plateau. He took over from his three brothers, including Clément, who designed and designed the butt of his rifle. "It's a very fun family adventure, it's great to live it with him", reveals the interested party.