Biathlon Superstars Shine in Marathon
They don’t just excel in skiing: French biathlon stars Julia Simon and Anaëlle Bondoux made a significant mark at last weekend’s Mont Blanc Marathon in Chamonix, leaving much of the competition in their wake.
Six-time biathlon world champion Julia Simon showcased her impressive endurance at the Mont Blanc Marathon, securing a strong third place in the 10-kilometer race. The French athlete crossed the finish line at 47:34 minutes, yielding to only two competitors.
However, Simon avoided the most challenging task. The 10-kilometer race was the shortest of the weekend. Other races spanned 23, 42, and 90 kilometers. Yet, the short route was still demanding due to a 325-meter elevation gain that had to be overcome.
The top-class biathlete later revealed that longer distances could definitely be an option for her. Simon stated, “I think 42 kilometers could be interesting; it excites me.” However, this is a goal she will consider only after her biathlon career.
Young Biathlete Claims Victory in 23 Kilometers
Another biathlete from the French team performed even better than Simon in Chamonix. Nineteen-year-old Anaëlle Bondoux, who raced in the IBU Cup for the first time in the 2023/24 season, claimed victory in the 23-kilometer race. She crossed the finish line after 2:22:56 hours, about eight minutes ahead of her nearest competitor.
Renowned French men’s team member Emilien Jacquelin also participated. The biathlete knew how to impress but couldn’t match his teammate’s performance. He crossed the finish line after 2:30 hours, placing 24th in the men’s competition.