What an anthology relay for the Blues!
On the track of Ostersund (Sweden), the tricolor relay runners (4 picks) disgusted the competition on Sunday.
Anaïs Bescond, Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet, Julia Simon and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet won their first relay in nearly three years, the 20th in history, thanks to a masterfully led race concluded with 57 seconds ahead of Belarus and more than a minute on Sweden.
Launched in a very good way by Anaïs Bescond (8/10 shooting), second in the pursuit the day before, the French were in contact with the best nations until isolating themselves with Belarus after the excellent passage to 10 / 10 by Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet, third in the pursuit and who won a third podium this winter.
France will win the Östersund women's relay !!!
⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️ Perfect shot for Justin Braisaz-Bouchet and a big smile at the end to conclude.
What mastery https://t.co/0CE9i0ftOm #lequipeBIATHLON pic.twitter.com/jgGhYxWUeo
- the L'Équipe channel (@lachainelequipe) December 5, 2021
In front of them, the favorites Swedish, Italian and Norwegian, all missed their passage on the carpet;
Tiril Eckhoff even going so far as to turn on the penalty ring after a catastrophic shot.
Simon and Braisaz-Bouchet are reassured
More in difficulty on her performance against the targets since the start of the season, Julia Simon, third torchbearer, was finally reassured with a single pick to deliver the witness of the win to Justine Braisaz-Bouchet.
Very quick on the skis, the Frenchwoman from Albertville only had to finish the job with an express and impressive standing shot of control, while Belarus felt the breath of the Swedes come back on them in the match for the second. and third place.
This victory therefore marks the first French success, men and women alike, of the start of the World Cup, after having already gleaned three podiums in four races for women.
A royal start to the season for the French who will leave for Hochfilzen, before settling in Le Grand-Bornand for a round at home.
