This weekend, the Biathlon World Cup is taking place at Le Grand Bornand, the venue where the biathlon legend’s journey began. Here, he once gave flowers to a little girl who is now a World Cup athlete, and the memories run deep.

Johannes Thingnes Bø ended his biathlon career in March with 134 World Cup victories, five overall World Cup titles, 13 discipline titles, and five Olympic gold medals and 23 World Championship golds. The adventure began in Le Grand Bornand, where he claimed his first World Cup victory in 2013. That is precisely why the 32-year-old from Stryn has powerful feelings for this arena in the French Alps, which hosts this weekend’s World Cup round.

This weekend, the World Cup returned to Le Grand Bornand. This time, Thingnes Bø is watching from the outside, but the memories from the place where it all started remain vivid.

Do you miss competing when you watch biathlon on TV?

“Absolutely not. I watched the relays in Östersund on TV with great pleasure, but I’m very happy with this ‘new’ life—more time with my family, my wife, and the kids. I still love biathlon, but I have plenty of projects and a lot to do,” Thingnes Bø tells Le Dauphiné.

Is it important for you to remain involved in biathlon?

“Of course. Biathlon has been part of my life since I was a child. It’s part of me, of who I am, and it’s impossible for me not to keep following it, talking to other biathletes, or going to championships like the Olympics.”

This weekend’s round takes place in Le Grand Bornand. Is it a special venue for you?

“Yes, very much so. It was in Le Grand Bornand that I took my first World Cup victory, in the sprint on December 14, 2013. I will never forget that; it’s a very special memory. And overall, I won there often, nine times, so it’s a place I like very much. But not least because the French love biathlon. You can feel it in the atmosphere and among the spectators. There is always a big crowd. Racing in that setting is absolutely fantastic.”

When you won in 2013, you gave your bouquet to a little girl. She still has it. Do you know that story?

“Océane Michelon? Yes, I’ve been told about it. I’m proud that through my results and the way I am, I’ve inspired children and people. And it’s even more rewarding when they make it all the way to the World Cup a few years later and perform the way Océane does!”

Océane Michelon was recently named Breakthrough Athlete of the Year 2025 by the International Biathlon Union (IBU), together with Norway’s Martin Uldal.

Speaking of Océane, how do you view the performances of the French women’s biathlon team in recent years? Many compare them to the Norwegian men’s team.

“Exactly! The results of the French women’s team are impressive, especially because it’s not due to just one star. It’s Julia Simon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Lou Jeanmonnot, Océane Michelon… And as soon as a new girl comes in, she performs. That shows the system works.”

When you retired, many began talking about a generational shift among men. Do you agree?

“Yes, I see it that way too. Even though Sturla (Holm Lægreid) won the overall World Cup last winter, we now see many young talents winning. My favorite for the overall title is Éric Perrot. He won World Championship gold last winter, and I think he has the qualities needed to win the World Cup.”

Also Read – Names himself the top favorite: “I’m in incredible shape!”

Many athletes try new sports after retiring. Is that the case for you as well?

“Yes. As biathletes, we run a lot, so I’d like to take up trail running, especially with Adidas,” he says, referring to his role as an ambassador for the equipment supplier he has a contract with. “But first at ‘shorter’ distances of around 20 kilometers.”

In his half-marathon debut in Grue on May 1, just a few weeks after retiring from biathlon, he clocked a very respectable 1:20:19 and finished 77th. He admitted he was slightly disappointed to miss his dream goal of 1:20 by 19 seconds, though he didn’t fully realize it until some time later.

Later, Thingnes Bø also delivered a strong performance at the Birken Mountain Marathon in June, his first attempt at that distance.

So, it’s not out of the question to see you racing in the French mountains in the future?

“Gladly! I love France, the lifestyle, the food… Trail running in France would be fantastic. So, if the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc organizers feel like giving me a bib, there’s no need to hesitate!”

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