After the last season, French superstar Martin Fourcade retired. That means he won’t be defending the World Champion title at the longest individual event here in Pokljuka. However, he will cheer for the strong French team from the stands, because he is to be found in Rudno Polje these days.
“If there had been emptiness behind me, I would not have left. That helped me to calmly end my career. I am extremely happy to pass over the torch. At the end of my career, I was happy to leave a legacy. I am even happier that the transition went smoothly,” 32-year-old told the Agence France-Presse. He is certain that he did not retire too early. “Although I was young, I have spent 19 years in biathlon. No, it is never too early if nice things are waiting for you,” he told the TV Slovenia.
In his career, Fourcade won seven big crystal globes, and as many Olympic medals, five of them were gold. At the World Championships, he won 13 titles, and he stood on the podium 28 times. Among all these achievements, it is hard to pick the one that means the most to him. “Maybe the first big globe, I was most sincerely happy then,” legendary biathlete said.
In Pokljuka, Fourcade won three times. In the season 2016/17, he won the sprint and the pursuit, and in the season 2018/2019, he was the best in the 20 km event. “I have needed some time to win for the first time here. The track was really difficult for me. Now Pokljuka is hosting the World Championships, and the snow conditions are great. For our sport it is great that has developed in such an environment,” retired French also told to the Slovenian national television.