DEC 2017 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME BMW IBU WORLD CUP BIATHLON

Transcription

1 DEC 2017 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME S. Gruden / Agence Zoom BMW IBU WORLD CUP BIATHLON p.1

2 Biathlon needs endurance and hit accuracy. And: snow. A word from the ambassador Sylvie Becaert Viessmann Werke GmbH & Co. KG D Allendorf (Eder) We alle love biathlon exactly the way it is. This is why Viessmann supports climate protection in various ways: Energy efficiency and renewables play an important role in preventing future global warming. As this will ensure winter sports remains the way it is, just like we all love it. Exceptional event, exceptional ambassador! Sylvie Becaert is ambassador of the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand and opens this special edition for our greatest pleasure. After the success of the first Biathlon World Cup organised in France in December 2013, Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand welcomes again the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon from 12 to 17 December 2017, recognised as THE French round of the circuit. In a breathtaking show, 300 athletes from 34 nations compete in front of the 50,000 spectators expected in the grounds of the international stadium of Grand-Bornand, in the heart of the station, who will cheer on the talented athletes of the French team, with Martin Fourcade - double Olympic champion in 2014, six times overall World Cup winner, ten times World Champion between 2011 and 2016 and no. 1 in the world for six years - in the lead. Not to mention the millions of viewers from around the world, swept away by the beauty of the mountains of Lake Annecy. The event promises to be great, just two months from the Olympic deadline, especially since our athletes will be eager to shine in front of their audience. This round of the circuit will be for them the best possible preparation, and a real test of racing in our country. Because we have the drive to do even better, this new French round of the circuit has everything to become a key event in the global calendar of the IBU. Come and cheer on the French team at Grand-Bornand! Winner of the World Cup (Sprint) in 2003 under the colours of Le Grand-Bornand. Double World Champion 2003 and 2009, double Olympic medallist 2006 and p.3

3 Organising Committee Special event From left to right: Mr André Perrillat-Amédé (President and founding member of the organising committee, and Mayor of Le Grand-Bornand), Michel Vion (President of the French Ski Federation), Sylvie Becaert (Ambassador of the BMW IBU Biathlon world cup Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand) and Jean-Luc Rigaut (President and founding member of the Organising Committee, and Mayor of Annecy). In the early 2000s, French biathlon stepped up and finally gained international recognition. Just the organisation of a big competition was lacking to consolidate the tricolour's reputation. This was done when the French Ski Federation chose Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand on 24 November 2007 for the assets of its exceptional site. The IBU validated the French application and a fine story began... With the support of our institutional partners "The leading mountain region in Europe and the number one sports region in France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is, of course, very proud to welcome the world's biathlon elite at this end of the year for a historical World Cup that will delight, I'm sure, all the enthusiasts who are so numerous in our region: a big congratulations to all the organisers who make this exceptional event possible!" Laurent WAUQUIEZ President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region "I am pleased to welcome this event in Haute-Savoie. Its sporting and tourist image make an excellent international showcase for our region. This World Cup event is supported by the Haute-Savoie Department and the Savoie Mont Blanc Council. I am also delighted that the Haut-Savoyards, among whom there are more than 1,000 students, guests of the Department, will attend the world biathlon to encourage their champions." Christian Monteil President of the Department of Haute-Savoie "Le Grand-Bornand has solid experience in organising major festive, cultural and sporting events. It has combined the welcoming tradition of mountain dwellers with the desire to live in major tourist resorts. The enthusiasm generated in these moments goes well beyond the village gates to train and mobilise an entire territory. A big thank you to Annecy and Le Grand-Bornand for this initiative, which is fully in line with the strategy of our territory." Gérard FOURNIER President of the Community of Communes of the Thônes Valleys p.4 p.5

4 COMPETITION PROGRAMME A spectacular show: join the party! This is the promise of the Biathlon World Cup Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand round of the circuit. Grand like the extraordinary site where the world's best will compete, an alpine jewel nestled between lake and mountains. Annecy and Le Grand-Bornand welcome the event with open arms! Spectacular like the athletes who will exceed their limits in this last straight run before the Pyeong- Chang Olympics. Competition, emotion, performance: a great show to participate in and watch! Competition Programme ANNECY LE GRAND-BORNAND Tuesday 12 th December & Wednesday 13 th December official training Thursday 14 th December 2.15pm : sprint ladies / 7,5 km Friday 15 th December 2.15pm : sprint men / 10 km Saturday16 th December 11.45am : pursuit ladies / 10 km 2.45pm : pursuit men / 12,5 km Sunday 17 th December 11.45am : mass start ladies / 12,5 km 2.30pm : mass start men / 15 km International Calendar 24 th Nov > 3 rd December 2017 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 1 Oestersund 5 th > 10 th December 2017 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 2 Hochfilzen 12 th > 17 th December 2017 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 3 Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand 2 nd > 7 th January 2018 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 4 Oberhof 9 th > 14 th January 2018 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 5 Ruhpolding 16 th > 21 st January 2018 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 6 Antholz - Anterselva 9 th > 25 th February 2018 Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 6 th > 11 th March 2018 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 7 Kontiolahti Follow Live News Results, practical information, videos, photos: do not miss anything of the Biathlon World Cup Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand. #ALGB17 B Biathlon.Annecy.LeGrandBornand V biathlonalgb F Biathlon Annecy - Le Grand-Bornand biathlon-annecy-legrandbornand.com 13 th > 18 th March 2018 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 8 Oslo Holmenkollen 20 th > 25 th March 2018 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 9 Tyumen p.6 p.7

5 animations PROGRAMME More than a competition, a festival! With more than 50,000 spectators expected,le Grand-Bornand intends to radiate a festive atmosphere. Spectators, to your fervour! LIVE MUSIC Every day - everywhere... Thursday 14 th Dec. Téléféérique jazz band Friday 15 th Dec. Chap s Saturday 16 th Dec. Tribal Percussions Sunday 17 th Dec. Les Givrés >> Animations >> Concerts & DJ SUPPLIERS TENTS 9am-6pm - everyday on the church square Come to discover the last trends of outdoor equipment and our institutional partners in the World cup suppliers tents area. SCULPTURE «Ubi on tour in the land of cow art» At the site main entrance Come and see the official mascot of the Annecy - Le Grand-Bornand Biathlon World Cup. Take some photo-souvenir with this XXL version of the little stoat! BIATHLON with ESF Nordic On the tennis courts Initiation From 9.30am to 3pm (20 min. workshop) Price: 5 / 12 pers. maximum per workshop. Mini biathlon worldcup From 4pm to 5pm Price: 15 / Not for beginners. On-site information and bookings. Spectators Marquee Concerts at 4pm and 8pm DJ from 6pm to 8pm and from 11pm to 1am >> Thursday 14 th December > 4pm: Rock of Ages (rock covers) > 8pm: Atypic Hall (pop-rock covers) >> Friday 15 th December > 4pm: FUZZ (pop-rock trio) > 8pm: Captiv (international MOR) >> Saturday 16 th December > 4pm: Coverdose (rock n roll duo) > 8pm: Sharewood (pop-rock covers) >> Sunday 17 th December > 4pm: Bob dit l Âne (Haut-Savoyard pop-rock) Food & Drinks NON STOP from 9am to 1am DJ Chris Berner DJ Chris Berner DJ Mister Ted DJ Arnaud Plage >> AKA VAKA Show with DJ I Ness La Grenette stage Everyday from 5pm to 8pm A car dressed up as a cow with a DJ on it. Quite famous in the Aravis Mountain! Drinks available for sale from 3pm to 8pm La Région des grandes manifestations sportives Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, région de sport. p.8 >> Live the event from the Fan Zone in Annecy in the Bonlieu Forum

6 DEC 2017 ANNECY LE GRAND-BORNAND BMW IBU WORLD CUP BIATHLON PLAN DU STADE STADIUM MAP CONTRÔLE D ACCÈS ZONE DEBOUT CHECKING POINT STANDING AREA ZONE DEBOUT / STANDING AREA PARKINGS / Exhibitors ZONES / AREAS Espaces public / Public Areas Espaces presse / Press Areas Espaces VIP / VIP Lodges Pistes de compétitions / Courses ACCÈS / ACCESS SERVICES Chapiteau spectateurs / Spectators Marquee Village exposants / Suppliers Tents Scène de la Grenette / Grenette Stage Initiation Biathlon / Biathlon Introduction Restauration & buvette / Food & drinks ZONE DEBOUT / STANDING AREA ZONE DEBOUT / STANDING AREA Accès piéton spectateurs / Spectators Flow Accès piéton médias / Medias Flow Accès piéton VIP / VIP Flow Entrée stade / Stadium Entrance Passerelles piéton / Footbridge Pont / Bridge Toilettes / Toilets Boutique officielle / Official Shop Animations / Entertainment Billetterie / Ticket Office Ecran géant / Display Screen Office de tourisme / Tourism Office Point information / Information Point ZONE DEBOUT / STANDING AREA ZONE DEBOUT / STANDING AREA Pharmacie / Pharmacy Cabinet Médical / Doctor VALLÉE DU BOUCHET RD4E CONTRÔLE D ACCÈS ZONE DEBOUT CHECKING POINT STANDING AREA TRIBUNES / GRANDSTAND TRIBUNES / GRANDSTAND CONTRÔLE D ACCÈS TRIBUNES CHECKING POINT GRANDSTAND CHAPITEAU RD4 VILLAGE EXPOSANT SPECTATORS /EXPOSANTS EXHIBITORS ARRÊT NAVETTES BUS STOP RD4 TC ROSAY

7 PRACTICAL INFORMATION Shuttle Buses / Car Parks / Traffic Shuttle buses FREE SHUTTLE BUS >> Le Grand-Bornand Full timetable available at the Tourism Office. From Thursday 14/12 to 17/12 (included): The bus station is relocated to Le Chinaillon road just above the town hall. Ligne A (Le village - Le Chinaillon) >> From Monday 11 th to Wednesday 13 th : first departure from the Village at 7.50am. Then from 8.30am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 7.30pm every 30 minutes. >> From Thursday 14 th to Sunday 17 th : more buses until 1.15am (last departure from the village). Ligne F (Le village - Le Nant Robert) >> From Monday 11 th to Wednesday 13 th : bus shuttle leaving the Village at 8.05am to 6.05pm every hour. >> From Thursday 14 th to Sunday 17 th : more buses until 1.05am. >> Inter-resorts Buses Le Grand-Bornand / Saint-Jean de Sixt / La Clusaz Full timetable available at the Tourism Office. >> From Monday 11 th to Wednesday 13 th : first departure from La Clusaz at 8.30am and last bus leaving Le Grand-Bornand at 5.45pm. Inbetween shuttle bus every hour. >> From Thursday 14 th to Sunday 17 th : more buses between 8.15am (departure from La Clusaz) and 6.15pm (last bus leaving Le Grand-Bornand). >> From Thônes Perrasses Car Park at the entrance of Thônes on your right when driving from Annecy (no other bus stop between Thônes and Le Grand-Bornand) >> Thursday 14 th and Friday 15 th : bus from 8.30am to 10pm. >> Saturday 16 th and Sunday 17 th : bus from 6.30am to 10pm. Shuttle bus every minutes, depending on traffic. >> From Entremont Car Park at the entrance of Entremont on your right when driving from St-Pierre en Faucigny (no other bus stop between Entremont and Le Grand-Bornand) >> Thursday 14 th and Friday 15 th : bus from 8.30am to 10pm. >> Samedi 16 et dimanche 17 : bus from 6.30am to 10pm. Shuttle bus every minutes, depending on traffic. Road Traffic & Car Parks P Spectators Car Parks Rosay Gondola and Vallée du Bouchet car parks. However, we strongly advise you to travel by bus or by foot. Find our carpooling group on our Facebook page Covoiturage Biathlon Annecy - Le Grand-Bornand Roads Closure > Ice Rink "Patinoire" road closed from 04/12 to 18/12. > Broderie road, Terret road and Envers roundabout closed from 11/12. > Pochons and Borne roads closed on 14/12. Access to l'escale Campsite and to "À la Ferme du Pépé" restaurant is maintain. Nant Robert road one way only: way up by Vallée du Bouchet and return by Les Potais, Le Nant Robert. Farmers Market Farmers Market on Wednesday morning on La Grenette square and on Le Chinaillon road. Reblochon cheese market at the bus station. Come visit the Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand World Cup OFFICIAL SHOP Suppliers' Tents - Church square T-shirts, beanies, Buff, Opinel, Pin's... Ready to welcome you Sylvie Becaert international stadium: a unique concept in the world >> 1 name: Sylvie Becaert, great champion of the 2000s and daughter of Le Grand-Bornand. >> Only certified French stadium (license A) by the International Federation (IBU). >> 1 unique concept 80% of the dismountable infrastructures and proximity to the village. >> 1 design in the purest respect of the environment. The snow quarry: local snow! To be part of the IBU circuit, the organisers must ensure a minimum snow cover, and even though Grand-Bornand's exposure is ideal, we must still face the possibility of a lack of snow. Beyond its network of 14 snowguns, a stock of 15,000 m3 of snow covered by 3,000 m3 of sawdust produced locally has been achieved. "Snowfarming" is the most eco-responsible solution because the snow is harvested on site and stored in a snow quarry at a distance of only 9 km from the site. "In 72 hours, with nine trucks, we are able to cover the stadium with snow. It is a rational solution", explains Yannick Aujouannet, Secretary General of the Organising Committee. >> 1 firing point, 30 targets, 1 penalty ring. >> 12,500 places in the standing zone at the edge of the track and 3,000 seats in the grandstand. >> 4 millions euros: the cost of the stadium financed by Le Grand-Bornand resort, the Department of Haute-Savoie, the Rhône-Alpes Region and the State by the CNDS (National Centre for Sport Development). Volunteers, the strongest link A World Cup needs a stadium, athletes and organisers, but also volunteers who are integral to the success of an event of this magnitude. Gathered by this very solidarity village spirit, there were volunteers 500 at the 2013 World Cup. Coming from the four corners of Haute-Savoie and sometimes even further, they also instil energy and motivation with one objective: to share a human and sporting experience. p.12 p.13

8 1 resort around the Biathlon 2 nd edition 6 races 1 unique stadium 4 pistes from 2 to 3,3 Km The Worldcup Key Figures spectactors 20 km of TV and Timing cables 30 video cameras 140 journalists 15 times leader General classification in the Biathlon world Cup won on 15 occasions by French athletes: Martin Fourcade (6) Raphaël Poirée (4) Anne Briand (2) Emmanuelle Claret (1) Patrice Bailly-Salins (1) et Sandrine Bailly (1) 6 Olympic gold medals won by French Biathlon since 1960 Département de la Haute-Savoie / Direction de la Communication Institutionnelle / Photos : Stanko Gruden/Agence Zoom m 3 of snow storage 34 countries 3,5 kg the minimu weight of a rifle 50 m the shooting distance 2 stages of the Biathlon Worl Cup held in France since its creation in 1977 (along with the 2017 event in Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand) Le Département de la Haute-Savoie fête le meilleur du biathlon 296 athletes 150 men, 146 women 4,5 cm for the prone position and 11 cm for the standing positions these are the target diameters 120 millions viewers watched the World Cup number 3 during the season (data source EBU) La coupe du monde BMW-IBU de biathlon joue à domicile! 50 personnes encadrantes (staff sportif et technique) Annecy - Le Grand-Bornand du 12 au 17 décembre volunteers p.14 p.15

9 Events B like Biathlon The races of Annecy Le Grand-Bornand LADIES RACES Race Distance Course Penalty Sprint 7,5 km 3 laps of 2,5 km each with 2 shoots: once prone / once standing + one 150m lap per missed target Mass start 12,5 km 5 laps of 2,5 km each with 4 shoots: prone / standing / prone / standing + one 150m lap per missed target Pursuit 10 km 5 laps of 2 km each with 4 shoots: prone / standing / prone / standing + one 150m lap per missed target MEN RACES Race Distance Course Penalty Sprint 10 km 3 laps of 3,3 km each with 2 shoots: once prone / once standing + one 150m lap per missed target Mass start 15 km 5 laps of 3 km each with 4 shoots: prone / standing / prone / standing + one 150m lap per missed target Pursuit 12,5 km 5 laps of 2,5 km each with 4 shoots: prone / standing / prone / standing + one 150m lap per missed target Let's talk about the Biathlon A bit of etymology to start: from the Latin "bi" (two) and the Greek "athlon" (fight), the biathlon is a test combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Endurance, calm and skill are the qualities necessary to perform in this event. You have been warned! Next, a little history: of military origin, the biathlon appeared for the first time at the Olympic Games in Let's review our classics! >> Biathletes travel on a cross-country ski track whose total distance is divided by 2 or 4 sets of shots, half lying down and half standing. >> Biathletes use a 22-gauge Long Rifle that they wear on their backs and a minimum weight of 3.5 kg. The targets, with a diameter of 45 mm for recoil shooting and 115 mm for standing shooting are located 50 metres away. Each shooting session consists of shooting down five targets. >> For safety reasons, skiers are not allowed to touch the breech of the rifle outside the shooting mat or load balls outside the mat. >> The firing point is divided into 30 corridors 2.75 m wide. Depending on the format of the race, the skier is positioned according to his order of arrival or according to his bib number. >> There are currently 7 event formats: 4 individual events (individual, sprint, pursuit, mass start) and 3 team events (relay, mixed relay and single mixed relay). The penalty per missed target is one minute added to the total time (individual) or a 150 m penalty round depending on the format of the race (sprint, pursuit, mass start or relay). In relay, the biathletes have 3 extra balls for each of the two shots to be made. For each unaffected target, a penalty round must be completed. You are now ready to enter the race! On your marks and good luck! Decryption of the Annecy Le Grand-Bornand events by Stéphane Bouthiaux - Team France s coach Sprint The sprint is the shortest event with the fewest shots, emphasising ski speed and performance. The start is done one after the other with an interval of 30 seconds. The final result of this race is important because it determines the starting order for the pursuit. "The sprint is THE individual race. For us, this is the reference race because each athlete is alone with his bib and his rifle to try to shoot down the targets. He gives his maximum for more than 20 minutes. It is the ultimate race because there are no references to the opponent; it is really the race where the athlete is alone with himself." p.16 p.17

10 Decryption of the Annecy Le Grand-Bornand events by Stéphane Bouthiaux p.18 Pursuit Unlike the sprint, the pursuit directly confronts biathletes on the track. The starting order is decided on the final sprint classification. The pursuits are very intense races marked by many twists; the short distance and four shooting sessions can quickly send a skier down the rankings. As you will have understood, it is a mentally difficult race where the fight with opponents is predominant. "It is often a race of management. Those who have performed well on the sprint start ahead, but you have to manage the gaps and try to make sure you do not get caught, especially if you are defending a medal! I would say that the athletes who performed well on the sprint are in a situation of defence and the athletes who were a performed a little less well in the sprint are in a situation of excessive attack to try to catch up a better result." Mass start The start line, also called the mass start, is quite similar to the pursuit without the handicap of time at the start since all the athletes leave at the same time. It is also a nervous race, full of twists. The first 25 in the overall World Cup standings and the top five performances of the current round of the circuit races can participate in this event. "The mass start is the race of confrontation par excellence where the psychological aspect predominates, especially when shooting. To win, you have to weigh up your opponents and be smart. We cannot define a strategy at the beginning, because it is the qualities of adaptation that will make the difference on this kind of event: to be able to accelerate at the right moment, to slow down at other times depending on the race situation, to shoot fast or to shoot slowly depending on the knowledge of the opponent at your side at that time". That is what we stand for, in more than 270 specialist centres in Europe!

11 Interview Michel Vion President of the French Ski Federation Vertige: What are Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand s assets? Vertige: Why is it important to host international competitions? Michel Vion: Le Grand-Bornand is certainly one of the only organisers that does not have a permanent Nordic stadium, which is both a disadvantage and an advantage. Le Grand-Bornand and we, as a Federation, are delighted to offer this alternative to the International Federation (IBU) with a competition in the heart of a village. We will never have 25,000 people a day like in the big stadiums, but we have an audience that can be at the heart of the action and close to the athletes. We try to cultivate this particularity to make it a real asset and to distinguish itself from other resorts, where the stadium is sometimes very far from the village. M.V: We are a country that has always organised competitions. This year, we have about twenty, all disciplines combined. This is essential for several reasons. It is above all sports, because we imagine that giving our athletes an opportunity to race in their own country is always an advantage and it is also a motivation for the world of skiing, but it is especially a great showcase because the stations are in the spotlight; it is very rewarding and interesting in economic terms. Vertige: How does the FFS intervene in the organisation of a world cup? M.V: It should be noted that the competitions are first attributed to the country and this is how we chose Le Grand-Bornand among 5 other sites as the most interesting because it is close to Annecy, the organisers are very dynamic and there is a real sport culture in Annecy and Le Grand-Bornand. We are an integral part of the organising committee and we work on partnerships, the financial aspect and television rights, in particular. p.20 Vertige: Biathlon in France: where are we? M.V: It is a sport that has always been very telegenic with formats that have evolved well. What is surprising is that it is a sport where there are few athletes, for safety reasons in particular, but it is much followed thanks to the suspense of the races! Biathlon has become an event that goes beyond sport. And of course, we come to support the French who know how to set themselves apart in this event. BUILDING BIG BIATHLON MOMENTS Infront Sports & Media wishes all fans, athletes and commercial partners an exciting BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 2017/18. Since 1992, Infront has shared a fruitful working relationship with the International Biathlon Union (IBU) and the national federations hosting IBU World Cup events. As marketing partner, it has helped develop biathlon from a niche sport into one of the most popular winter sports around and will further enhance its premium value and commercial strength in the future. Infront is one of the leading sports marketing companies in the world and enjoys long-lasting partnerships with 170 rights holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. With an experienced and passionate team of over 900 staff in over 35 offices across +15 countries, the Group helps to annually deliver more than 4,100 event days of top class sport on a global scale. Our experience. Shared passion. Your success.

12 Interview Stéphane Bouthiaux Team France s coach He leads his team with a master's hand: he trains them, pushes them, advises them, accompanies them and sometimes even protects them a little... Stéphane Bouthiaux, Team France s coach, gives us his view of his team and the season. team with a state of mind that allows us to perform. We France must perform on all races, even those that may seem less important. Vertige: What are the goals of the season? S.B: We prepare ourselves and then go with the flow! Then, we adapt the training and the speech according to the state of the athletes, their fitness levels, the results and, of course, the objective. The team has shown these past seasons all its potential. We have young athletes who are still progressing, so obviously ambitions are high. Vertige: An event in our own country, is it different? S.B: We would say no... There is no way to prepare for the Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand event differently from other World Cup events. We do not have a rest phase just before, which would allow us to set up specific preparation to be more efficient in this event. But it is, of course, a goal because we really want to shine in our own country, in front of our own audience. Athletes will want to be good in front of their families. Vertige: Does the Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand course have any particular difficulties? S.B: For us, the main difficulty will be more the expectations around the team than the race itself. The presence of families, media and partners adds pressure, but also fatigue, because there is a lot of solicitation. These are all the parameters that make me a little bit scared. You have to be good at managing the team if you want it to perform Vertige: What kind of coach are you? S.B: Vast question! The speech before the race is adapted according to each athlete's situation. We try to be close to our athletes, to accompany them as best as possible and to avoid any stress, anxiety and material concerns. We wrap them in a cocoon so they only have to focus on performance. Vertige: Is Biathlon physical as well as mental? S.B: Yes, it requires a permanent calculation against the opponent, but it also requires an intellectual approach to shooting. When you are behind the rifle, facing the targets, you need incredible lucidity to be able to shoot them down while having been very physically for half and hour. Vertige: We wish you a great season! Vertige: How is the preparation going [editor's note: 17 October 2017]? Have you worked on some aspects specifically? Stéphane Bouthiaux: Our preparation is going really well, apart from the small glitches, for example, minor illness that can occur. There is really no problem. Athletes progress as expected. We have not prepared any goals more than others. We count on the first races of the beginning of season to bring our athletes to the best of their ability, without taking the risk of fatiguing them, which would be detrimental to the good results of the main objective of the Olympic Games. Vertige: What is the mood of the group? S.B: It is good: we feel in good shape and we are eager to put on our bibs! The preparation phase is long, seven months of training without any real competition. After all, they are competitors and they cannot wait to compete! Vertige: What are the important dates of the season? S.B: Well, I would say all of them! Confidence is so important in our sport that we have to be ready from the beginning of the season and then race p.22 p.23

13 Team France Our tricolores athletes Célia AYMONIER Born 05/08/91 in PONTARLIER (25) Club Défense EMHM Ski Club Les Fourgs Bronze medal during the 2017 World Championships (relay). Anaïs CHEVALIER Born 12/02/93 in SAINT MARTIN D HÉRES (38) Douanes / Club Omnisport des Sept Laux Grésivaudan Vice-World Champion in 2016 (relay) and 2017 (mixed relay), two bronze medals during the 2017 World Championships (sprint and relay). Anaïs BESCOND Born 15/05/87 in AUNAY SUR ODON (14) Club Défense EMHM / Ski Morbier Bellefontaine Morez World-Champion in 2016 (mixed relay), vice-world Champion in 2016 (individual, relay), 2015 (mixed relay and relay), 2012 et 2011 (relay). Marie DORIN-HABERT Born 19/06/86 in LYON (69) Douanes / Club Omnisport des Sept Laux Grésivaudan Two Olympic medals in 2010 (sprint and relay), five-time World Champion with a total of 17 medals won over various World Championships. Justine BRAISAZ Born 04/07/96 in ALBERTVILLE (73) Douanes Club des Sports des Saisies Vice-World Champion in 2015 and 2016 (relay), bronze medal during the 2017 World Championships (relay). >>Staff Julien ROBERT Ladies Coach Born 11/12/74 Gold medal during the 2001 World Championship (relay), bronze medal during the 2004 World Championships (relay). Jean-Paul GIACHINO Ladies Shooting Coach Born 03/01/63 Competed at the 1988 Olympics Jean-Guillaume BEATRIX Born 24/03/88 in ST PRIEST (69) Club Douanes Union Sportive Autranaise Olympic medalist in 2014 (pursuit), Vice-World Champion in 2012, 2013 (relay), 2015 (mixed relay) and 2017 (relay), Bronze medal during the 2015 World Championships (relay). Simon FOURCADE Born 25/04/84 in PERPIGNAN (66) Club Défense EMHM / Club Ski Nordique Villard de Lans World Champion in 2009 (mixed relay), Vice-World Champion in 2012 (individual and relay) and in 2013 (relay), Bronze medal during the 2015 World Championships (relay). Simon DESTHIEUX Born 03/12/91 in BELLEY (01) Club Défense EMHM / Ski Club Lompnes Vice-World Champion in 2017 (relay). Martin FOURCADE Born 14/09/88 in CERET (66) Club Défense EMHM / Ski Club Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000 Twice Olympic Champion in 2014 (individual and pursuit), twice vice-olympic Champion in 2010 and 2014 (mass start), eleven-time World Champion, Six-time winner of the Overall World Cup. Quentin FILLON-MAILLET Born 16/08/92 in CHAMPAGNOLE (39) Club Douanes / Ski Club du Grandvaux World Champion in 2016 (mixed relay), twice vice- World Champion in 2017 (mixed relay and relay), bronze medal during the 2015 World Championships (relay). >>Staff Stéphane BOUTHIAUX Men Head Coach Born 26/03/66 Bronze medals during the 1990 and 1995 World Championships (team). Franck BADIOU Men Shooting Coach Born 24/03/67 Vice-Olympic Champion in 1992 Grégoire DESCHAMPS Equipment Manager p.24 p.25

14 Interview Martin Fourcade What a hero! Martin Fourcade is quite the epic of French biathlon. Double Olympic champion, he knows how to captivate us with incredible races! And apparently he intends to be just as successful this winter! Vertige: How is the preparation going [editor's note: 17 October 2017]? Martin Fourcade: Pretty good. We are currently on an internship in Germany on the snow. It is good to touch the element that is so lacking during the summer. It is a first round of the circuit towards the season and for the moment everything is going well. Vertige: How do you tackle and get ready for a double season in terms of ambitions? M.F: There is a real highlight and focus on the Olympics. Of course, the World Cup is important, but the main objective is the Games! We do not have specific preparation, in the sense that the programme is similar every year; the difference is that the Olympics replace the world championships, so we are used to this type of schedule. Vertige: What is a round of the circuit "in our own country" [note: Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand round of the circuit of the Biathlon World Cup]? Is this event a pitfall? M.F: It is a great training for the Games. It is a round of the circuit that will be for me at the peak of the season, emotionally and medically. I look forward to it and I do not see it as a pitfall; on the contrary, I see it more as a way to train under significant tension a few weeks from the Olympics. Vertige: Do you set specific goals each season? M.F: I aim for the best! There are no targets, but I want to go for a gold medal at the Olympic Games. This is my only goal this season. Then, for everything else, I have ambitions of course, but it will be more of a bonus than something that must absolutely be crossing points. Vertige: This year, you are the flag bearer of the French delegation to the Olympic Games. How do you feel about that? M.F: It is an honour. I also see it as a great experience, as a great pride, as a role a little new to me, so I apprehend a little, but it is a great pleasure. Vertige: In what state of mind are you before and during a race? M.F: Everything will depend on the goal. We repeat the gestures that we worked on in training, we try to enjoy it too, but the main notion remains concentration. Vertige: What is your secret of success? M.F: I have no secrets, but if I had one I would not tell you! [Laughs] Of course, there are things on which you build a career. There is a lot of work; there is no magic in high-level sport. There can be a lot of emotions and sometimes a little dreaming, but there is no magic! When you see a great performance, it is because there is a lot of work behind it. Without being a killjoy, it is a concept, especially in endurance sports, which is dear to us. Vertige: What attracts you in your discipline? M.F: It is the combination of two disciplines completely different. In terms of self-realisation and personal fulfilment, it is great to be able to work and seek to perfect oneself in two different and equally contradictory areas. This lets us be a complete athlete where we work on exertion and pain on the ski part and on the contrary, on something very meticulous and precise on the shooting part. I find this ambivalence enticing in this sport. Vertige: What if we could achieve one of your dreams? M.F: It would be to fulfil my Olympic goal! p.26 p.27

15 Official Premium Sponsor of the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon Interview Marie Dorin-Habert The French Women's Biathlon Marie Dorin-Habert has a taste for effort, a love with nature and the outdoors, and a passion for biathlon. The sparkling biathlete with an impressive list of wins does not stop there and engages in a season where she hopes to reach her dreams. M-ribbed Sectional Garage Door LPU and Entrance Door ThermoSafe style 862 Doors and operators from Europe s no. 1 Vertige: In what state of mind are you approaching the season? Marie Dorin-Habert: Well, I am pretty serene. I do not what level I will have and what I might achieve, but in any case I take pleasure in training, I have made progress, and I have the impression that the work has been done. I cannot wait for it to start! Vertige: Goals? What are the races not to be missed? M.D-H: There are the Olympics! We will need to be selected and then perform. This year, I run after a holy grail! I do not hide that I'm going there to get medals. Then, of course, there is the Annecy-Le Grand- Bornand event. It is in our own country so we want to do a good race for our pubic. I really hope I can make a clean copy with clean shots. Garage doors as well as garage and entrance gate operators with BiSecur radio system Aluminium entrance door ThermoCarbon: the thermal insulation world champion* and best-in-class for security** Aluminium entrance doors ThermoSafe and ThermoCarbon with standard RC 3 security equipment p.28 Up to 0,47 W/(m² K) * U D -value for aluminium entrance door ThermoCarbon RC4 ** Aluminium entrance door ThermoCarbon with standard RC 3 security equipment (optionally RC 4)

16 Interview Marie Dorin-Habert Vertige: In what state of mind are you before and during a race? M.D-H: Ideally, I try to be much focused. There are some races where I hesitate and stress a lot, and others where I am very motivated and I just want to fight! It depends on the state of mind, the place, the sensations before race and the confidence at the time. Confidence is built up little by little. At the beginning of the season, we are a little nervous and tense as we approach the first races. At the end of the season, we know our level, there is less tension and we rely more on "strategy". Vertige: A question for a mother: How does one manage such an extraordinary professional life and your role as a mother? M.D-H: Last year it was clearly the most difficult. It was complicated. My daughter is now 3 years old. The early years are quite simple because a baby asks for different things from a little girl who needs attention and who is aware of lack and absence. I am lucky to be supported by my family; my parents, my mum who really has an important role, my in-laws who are very available and then my husband who is there and takes over. I am lucky to have such an involved husband. I try to see my daughter every other week. Vertige: How would you define yourself? M.D-H: I am of a very dreamy temperament, I question myself often and I can say that do not have much confidence in me... There are several slogans that I like a lot, including one by René Char: "Think strategist, react primitive". Well, that is not necessarily me because I do not always act primitively. I tend to reflect too much on each of my actions, but in any case I find that it sums up the spirit that there should be in high-level sports! Vertige: A quote all the more true in biathlon! M.D-H: Yes! Even if sometimes reflection can be a source of bad management of shooting and being in touch with your emotions... Building a training project and doing it often is imperative, and when racing, you should try to act naturally and have the least possible restraint. Vertige: If we could achieve one of your dreams, which one would it be? M.D-H: If you could give me a medal at the Olympics, that would be cool! Vertige: We will make an effort, but we count on you Marie! THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE THANKS ITS PARTNERS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS PRIVATE PARTNERS TECHNICAL PARTNERS AN EVENT BASED p.30 p.31

17 Le plaisir de conduire NOUVELLE BMW X3. EN MISSION DANS LE DOMAINE. Consommations en cycle mixte de la nouvelle BMW X3 selon motorisations : 5 à 8,4 l/100 km. Émissions de CO 2 : 132 à 193 g/km selon la norme NEDC. p.32