Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Advertisement

Martin Fourcade shines in Annecy as the Nordic Festival kicks off

() competes in show biathlon during the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival in Annecy, France, on august 31, 2019, Photo Philippe Millereau / KMSP
() competes in show biathlon during the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival in Annecy, France, on august 31, 2019, Photo Philippe Millereau / KMSP Copyright  PHILIPPE MILLEREAU / KMSP PHILIPPE MILLEREAU
Copyright PHILIPPE MILLEREAU / KMSP
By Andrew Robini
Published on
Share this article Comments
Share this article Close Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copy to clipboard Copied

Thousands of fans flooded the streets of Annecy to watch the first edition of the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival. The five-times Olympic champion proved too strong for his opponents yet again while Lisa Vitozzi reigned supreme in the women's event.

Thousands of fans flooded the streets of Annecy to watch the first edition of the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival on Saturday. Less than a month after the Blink Festival in Norway, top biathletes and cross-country skiers came together in the French city to battle it out on wheels... An audacious gamble which paid off thanks to the determination of the five times Olympic Champion.

''I wanted to bring the sport in the middle of the city," said Martin Fourcade. "I think bringing people to sport activities is a big challenge for our societies. Sport changed my life and I really want to help people change theirs through sport. I want to show that sport is not only what we saw today with top athletes fighting for prize money and for podiums but it's also enjoying a wonderful atmosphere, being outside, being healthy and being happy to spend time with your friends, your partners and you!''

On a glorious afternoon in Annecy, Martin Fourcade lived up to expectations. The 30-year-old looked in great shape and produced a stunning performance to seal the win ahead of Germany's Benedikt Doll and Italy's Lukas Hofer while Lisa Vittozzi reigned supreme in the women's event.

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share this article Comments

Read more

Aliaksandra Ramanouskaya: Belarusian skier and Lukashenko critic fined over protest

Portugal doesn't have a big tradition of winter sports but there are some chasing the Olympic dream

French ski resorts to open at Christmas but lifts will remain closed, says French PM