The man behind Norway’s biathlon is leaving. Now, coach Siegfried Mazet explains why he is departing the successful team and what awaits him in France.

As ProXCskiing.com reported at the end of the Olympics, shooting coach Siegfried Mazet is leaving the Norwegian men’s national team.

Now, the coach behind the success of the Bø brothers, Tarjei Bø, and Norwegian stars Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen, and Sturla Holm Lægreid speaks out.

“Everyone expects it, and I think I can say it now even if the press release comes tomorrow – I’m going back to France,” said Mazet after Sunday’s mass start in Holmenkollen.

“It’s a dream that has come to an end – ten fantastic years with the great Norwegian team. I’ve been lucky to be part of one of the two best teams in the World, and now I’m joining the other. It’s extraordinary.”

Also Read: Mazet to step down after 2026 Olympics

Heading to an unspecified role

The 48-year-old says he does not yet know what role he will have within the French national team, or whether he will work with the women or the men.

“I don’t know what position I will get, but we have agreed on a contract. The French national team director and I have had long discussions over the past few days,” he says.

“There will certainly be more announcements in the coming period, but for me, the future is in France,” Mazet adds, noting that many nations are expected to make coaching changes after the season.

Mazet’s move comes as current French coaches Jean-Paul Giachino and Jean-Pierre Amat step down, both of whom have been key to France’s success in biathlon.

Why is he leaving Norway?

Until now, Mazet has said little about his decision to step down. Now he opens up about the thoughts and feelings behind the decision.

“First of all, in elite sport, it’s very rare for people to stay in the same role for 20 years. Either you leave before that, or you are replaced when federations or new generations want change,” he says.

“But for me, I need new challenges. After this season, I will have been here for ten years. I want to feel the pressure of starting something new again. That’s why I left France ten years ago, and that’s why I’m leaving now,” says Mazet.

“I enjoy being a coach, and I enjoy the process of building a team and reaching goals. But there comes a point where I feel I’ve done my job. And I believe I’ve done my job for Norway now. The conclusion is that I could have stayed longer, for several more years, without any problems. But in four years, I would have had to leave anyway.”

Known since August

Mazet first revealed he would step down after this season back in August, the day before the biathlon competitions at the Blink Festival in Sandnes.

The news hit several athletes hard, but Mazet himself has also built strong bonds with the Norwegian team.

The process of finding his successor is already underway.

Read More – Mazet: “Johannes and Tarjei meant everything”

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site. Also, live streaming of Ski Classics events with English commentaries is available.

When you become part of one of the World’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round.

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER