Savoie: Élite Nordique Bessans, the first private biathlon team in France

This is a first on the biathlon planet. The formation of an independent team. Its name: ENB, for Élite Nordique Bessans, founded by biathlete Émilien Personnaz. “It’s brand new, it’s happening in other countries!”enthuses the one who is also the coach. Behind the ENB: eight athletes, four boys and four girls.

“Certain athletes who find themselves all alone, a little lost at a given moment when there is not too much of a group on the committee, not enough room in the federation because they do not have the level at which they have reached next to their season, continues Émilien Personnaz It’s always important to have a group that can try to draft these people, to take care of them. And I think that it’s in this type of group that we can. can find people who have things to prove to themselves, to prove.”

Bessans supports financially

The objective is to aim for selections for international competitions. “It allows us to have more luck because we are a group at a fairly homogeneous level which is pushing itself to the top, with a coach who really wants to take us to the highest level”says Ludmilla, 21, member of the team. The athletes have different backgrounds and origins, and that is the strength of the group, explains Violette, 22 years old. “We bring a lot to each other, already between the girls, but also training with the boys. I wasn’t used to that at all. They give us a lot of information on technique, on training speed, nutrition…”

The ENB is supported by Bessans to the tune of 5,000 euros per year. “It’s the first private team of this type that we have in biathlon in France and we found the initiative interesting”explains Jérémy Tracq, the mayor of the Savoyard resort. “And by associating the name of Bessans with it, of course, it is also a vector of promotion for us and which shows our commitment to the world of biathlon.” To make the most of its first season, Elite Nordique Bessans needs support. You can donate to them by contacting them on social networks, Instagram in particularor at least go and encourage them!