As the stars battle for crystal globes in Holmenkollen this weekend, one profile is missing. After 12 years on the World Cup circuit, former world champion Antonin Guigonnat is calling time on his career.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old Frenchman has competed in 214 World Cup races and reached the podium six times. He has three World Championship medals, including gold in the single mixed relay in 2021, one European Championship gold, and several recent victories in the IBU Cup.<\/p>\n
He had hoped the federation would give him one last opportunity at the highest level before hanging up his rifle. That was not the case.<\/p>\n
Guigonnat was not selected for the World Cup final in Holmenkollen, meaning he will not get the chance to say goodbye to the environment and the sport he is leaving after more than a decade at the international level.<\/p>\n
Instead, the French team has chosen to bring two younger biathletes who have performed well in the IBU Cup this winter, the level below the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Finished at the top level \u2013 wanted a farewell<\/p>\n
This season, Guigonnat has only competed in three World Cup races.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love competing and could have continued for a long time. But this team is at an extremely high level, and I can no longer put in the work required. That time is over,\u201d he told Ski Nordique<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, Guigonnat is disappointed not to be included in the World Cup final. He feels he has been denied the opportunity for a proper farewell.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, I wanted to say goodbye to the World Cup, where I had the most fun,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Extremely high level<\/p>\n Guigonnat explains that the national team management was very clear.<\/p>\n \u201cSt\u00e9phane Bouthiaux told me directly that I had to win the overall IBU Cup to be selected for the World Cup final. He had already decided to give the spots in Oslo to Ga\u00ebtan Paturel and Damien Levet to give them a chance,\u201d says Guigonnat.<\/p>\n The veteran says he responded with a question.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about one last dance in the World Cup? But he stood by his decision. Ga\u00ebtan and Damien deserve it. They have the level.\u201d<\/p>\n Guigonnat emphasizes that he respects the decision, even if he would have preferred a different outcome.<\/p>\n \u201cI had ten incredible years. I truly enjoyed it, and that\u2019s what matters most.\u201d<\/p>\n Also Read \u2013 Biathlon World Cup 2025\/2026: Complete program for Holmenkollen<\/a><\/p>\n