Biathlete Jeanmonnot: wearing the yellow leader's bib is something special

Lou Jeanmonnot, who won the overall biathlon World Cup in the 2025/2026 season and received the Big Crystal Globe, spoke in an interview for the International Biathlon Union (IBU) website about her path from the IBU Junior Cup to the top of the World Cup. With the new season approaching and her title to defend, she also discussed training and competition.

The globe and the journey

Jeanmonnot said she felt happy and grateful when she received the globe. In her words, the past three years had been enjoyable, and ending them by being handed the globe was special. She described winning the Junior Cup overall as a goal that only few reach, yet she was convinced she could do it. She stressed that she enjoyed the journey itself, which is why she can start each season afresh.

The coach's influence

She had wanted Cyril Burdet to remain her coach, and he did. Jeanmonnot calls him the main person who helped her believe in her abilities. When she joined the A team, she considered herself a poor skier but a good shooter. Her coach showed her that her technique is excellent and her sprint strong, and confidence on the ski track became the main turning point of her career.

Goals and weaknesses

Her main aim is to become a better biathlete, which could help her keep the globe. She also wants a gold medal in the individual event at the World Championships, as she does not yet have one. She names the time spent on shooting as her weakest point, as well as the leader's role: wearing the yellow leader's bib, she says, is something entirely different from believing in yourself.

Rivals

According to Jeanmonnot, Elvira Oeberg has the greatest physical strength and endurance, and steadier shooting would make her very hard to beat. Lisa Vittozzi significantly improved her shooting speed last year and is mentally strong. Julia Simon's greatest strength is her mind, and she is excellent in both shooting and skiing.