Martin Bourgeois République is breaking new ground. © instagram/martinbourgeoisrepublique

An end to unanswered questions: Biathlon talent is breaking new ground

At just 24 years old, Martin Bourgeois République has drawn a line under his career. The former junior world champion was considered a budding star in the Biathlon World Cup far beyond France.

March 21, 2024

From: sportsnews

As early as 2023, Bourgeois République indicated in an interview with the Nordic Magazine the end of his career: “I want to exploit my true potential to 100%, as long as I can achieve it. That’s why I’m doing it again this year to see how far I can go,” he said at the time.

On Wednesday evening, the young Frenchman got serious: He announced on Instagram that he would end his career as a biathlete with the coming race weekend. He did not reveal the reason for his decision or what will happen next.

Bitter pill for the junior champ

The Bourgeois République, who comes from Jura, can look back on a decade full of successes: in 2019 he won an individual gold medal in the Junior World Championships and further medals in the relay and pursuit disciplines.

However, it was never enough for the really big coup. After he climbed into the top 10 of the IBU Cup in December, he was denied selection for the subsequent competition. “Even though I suspected it, it was hard to live with,” the 24-year-old told the Nordic Magazine at that time. Participation in a World Cup also failed to materialize.

One last dance

The French championship will take place in Méribel on Friday and Saturday. Among those taking part is the newly crowned biathlon world champion Lou Jeanmonnot-Laurent. Bourgeois République will appear there one last time and then put their skis and rifles in the corner.