Martin Fourcade is the title contender for the Biathlon World Cup 2020 in Antholz. In an interview with chiemgau24.de, he talks about the strength of the French team and makes clear statements about the criticism of German biathlon.
Antholz - When the Biathlon World Cup 2020 starts in Antholz on February 13, many eyes will be on Martin Fourcade.
The 31-year-old Frenchman has returned to his old level of performance this season, leads the men's overall standings and wants to further expand his impressive title record in Antholz.
He has already collected five Olympic gold medals and eleven world championships in his long career. At the Biathlon World Cup 2020, further successes should be added. Biathlon World Cup 2020: All information about the World Cup in Antholz
But Fourcade is no longer the only Frenchman who can compete for victories in biathlon. The seven-time overall World Cup winner has long had competition from its own team. Quentin Fillon Maillet won the last race before the World Cup and is second in the overall World Cup.
Biathlon World Cup 2020: The German squad for the World Cup in Antholz
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Simon Desthieux is fourth in the season best and Fabien Claude has already finished on the podium this season. In the Nations' Cup, France is just ahead of Norway.
On the sidelines of the Biathlon World Cup in Ruhpolding, chiemgau24.de spoke to Fourcade about the French strength in biathlon, Fourcade gives insights into the secrets of success of the French men and speaks plainly about critical voices against German biathlon. Biathlon World Cup in Antholz 2020: All dates and results
Biathlon: Interview with Martin Fourcade
Mr. Fourcade, France leads the Nations' Cup for men, three of the four best athletes in the overall World Cup are French. Where does this enormous leap in performance come from?
Martin Fourcade: There are many reasons. The foundations for today's success were laid many years ago. We changed the coach two years ago, which gave the team new impetus. It should not be forgotten that our team is very young and we are now reaping the fruits that we sown a few years ago. We also have a very good mix within the team.
What do you mean?
Fourcade: Fabien Claude and Emilien Jacquelin are in their mid-20s, Simon Desthieux and Quentin Fillon Maillet are approaching 30 and I'm just over 30 years old. We have experience from three generations of biathlon, so we complement each other very well.
What role do you take on within this team?
Fourcade: With my experience and the success I have achieved, I naturally take a leading position and help my teammates when they ask me for advice.
Do you see your supremacy within the team at risk?
Fourcade: The high level within our team automatically leads to a higher intensity in training, gives me additional motivation and has also increased my performance again. This development is correspondingly positive for me. I focus on my performance. And if one of the guys is better then that's the way it is. We want to be successful individually and as a team, it is not about supremacy.
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In France you work with trained shooters who come from shooting sports. What is the effect?
Fourcade: This is clearly noticeable in the results. We brought an expertise from outside into the team, from which we benefit enormously as biathletes. Shooting has become increasingly important in recent years, and the effects are correspondingly positive.
Would you recommend this model for the German team?
Fourcade: I am not entitled to make any recommendations to the German team. The German biathletes are excellently trained in shooting. Germany has been one of the best nations in the world for decades, even today. This would not be possible without good basics in shooting.
Nevertheless, criticism has been voiced in Germany in recent weeks that the connection to the world leaders has been missed ...
Fourcade: Germany had two century biathletes with Magdalena Neuner and Laura Dahlmeier. The successes of the two were exceptional, one should not forget that in the entire debate. The two are no longer active, however, the successes decrease accordingly. But to question German biathlon as a whole is absurd.
Source: chiemgau24.de
* chiemgau24.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network
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