the biathlon brings back the first medal, Benjamin Cavet at the foot of the podium… The results of the first day of the French team in Beijing

France can already have a smile. The first day of the Beijing Olympics, Saturday February 5, gave colors to the French delegation. Thanks to biathlon, the discipline that provides the most medals for the Tricolores in the 21st century, the blue white red flag has appeared on the medal table. For the others, the day did not necessarily go as planned…

Biathlon: the French mixed relay loses its title but takes silver

These four were expected at the turn. Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet, Julia Simon, Emilien Jacquelin and Quentin Fillon-Maillet defended the title obtained four years ago by their predecessors. In a dantesque race (to relive here), marked by particularly complicated conditions with strong gusts of wind, and a slide made difficult by the very cold snow, France had to bow in the sprint against the great Norwegian favorites, already at the top of the medal table.

With this silver charm, the biathletes open the counter of France and launch these Olympic Games.

Mogul skiing: Benjamin Cavet at the foot of the podium

Benjamin Cavet could not get this Olympic medal. Fourth at the finish, he was beaten by the Japanese Ikuma Horishima, yet author of two faults in his last run. The skier from Châtel nevertheless delivered a perfect copy throughout the final. Without making any mistakes and very fast in the bumps, the Frenchman still achieved a good performance after a lackluster season.

Ski jumping: Joséphine Pagnier gains experience

The Doubiste Joséphine Pagnier has taken her Olympic marks. At only 19 years old, the jumper from Chaux-Neuve has confirmed her first great season at a high level. Seventh after the first run, she missed her second jump to finish, in the end, at the gates of the top ten, in 11th place. His compatriot Julia Clair did not pass the first round.

Short-track: Quentin Fercoq, the only French survivor

They were two people from Le Havre competing in the 1000m event. But only one managed to validate his place in the competition. Quentin Fercoq, second in his race, continues his Olympic path while Sébastien Lepape, at fault after a good comeback, puts the skates away.

On the women’s side, things get stuck in the first round for Bisontine Tifany Huot-Marchand and Gwendoline Daudet in the 500m. But nothing is over when you know that the two skaters are more comfortable in the 1000m exercise.

Snowboard slopestyle: a delicate farewell for Lucile Lefevre

During the night, Lucile Lefevre competed in her qualifications in the slopestyle event, in snowboarding. But with two falls in the same places on her first two runs, the Briançonnaise quickly said goodbye to her Olympic dreams. It was also his last race at a high level.