French biathlon star Julia Simon has withdrawn from the pursuit race at Milano Cortina 2026, citing health concerns after a disappointing sprint result.
The Olympic individual champion finished 34th in the sprint and has decided to skip the pursuit to focus on recovery. Simon is preserving her energy for the upcoming relay and mass start competitions, where France will be counting on her experience and medal potential.
The 28-year-old's decision comes as a precautionary measure after not feeling well during the sprint race. Rather than risk further illness or poor performance, Simon and the French coaching staff have opted for a strategic withdrawal to ensure she is in optimal condition for the team events later in the competition schedule.
French Representation in the Pursuit
Despite Simon's absence, France will still be represented in the women's pursuit by Océane Michelon and Lou Jeanmonnot. Both athletes will be looking to capitalize on their sprint performances and move up the standings in what is always one of the most dramatic races in biathlon.
Michelon and Jeanmonnot face the challenge of carrying French hopes without their most decorated teammate, but both have shown strong form throughout the season and are capable of competitive results on the demanding Milano Cortina courses.
Strategic Focus on Team Events
Simon's withdrawal highlights the difficult decisions athletes and coaches must make during major championships. With multiple events on the program, managing energy and health becomes crucial, especially when dealing with illness during competition.
The relay and mass start remain priority targets for the French team, and Simon's presence in those events could prove decisive for France's medal chances. The relay in particular relies heavily on team cohesion and having all top athletes at full strength.
The mass start, scheduled for later in the competition, will give Simon additional recovery time and represents one of her strongest disciplines. Her tactical racing skills and shooting accuracy under pressure make her a genuine contender for medals when she returns to competition.
