He had only a very slim hope of winning an eighth Big Crystal Globe this Saturday during the pursuit of Kontiolahti, in Finland. Too thin, facing this Johannes Boe there. But who cares: as a champion, Martin Fourcade bowed out in Finland on a final victory, his 83rd career ten years after his very first success.
Starting 21 seconds behind his great Norwegian rival, and with a deficit of 19 points at the start, the Catalan was to be crowned to win the race, and that Boe finished beyond fourth place. There was therefore no miracle, while the 31-year-old Frenchman's best enemy ranked 4th behind Fourcade, Fillon-Maillet and Jacquelin.
In anonymity, but in lord
In difficult conditions in eastern Finland, Fourcade competed in the last race of the biathlon season, shortened due to the coronavirus, but also and above all the last of his immense career. Because the day before, in a touching press release, the five-time Olympic champion, 31 years old, had announced that he would end his career at the end of this race.
In the anonymity of a closed camera imposed by the world epidemic situation, Martin Fourcade thus ends in lord, and with an exceptional record: five Olympic titles, thirteen titles at the Worlds and seven Big Crystal Globes (for as many victories in general classification of the World Cup) between 2012 and 2018. It is certain, it counts among the most beautiful prize lists of the French sport. He can now leave, "serene", as he assured Friday. And now without regrets.
