Interview with Florence Baverel and Julien Robert

Are you pleased with your season at this point ?
Flo : In December was my shape in skiing very good and I made a podium in the 15km of Osrblie which was a good thing. And now, we'll see the beginning of January and the races.
Juju : I had a good beginning, but hope to make better in January and February.

What's possible in Olympics, especially with the relay ?
Juju : I think the relay is for me the only chance for a medal and the team who'll compete is good.
Flo : For me I think it's possible to have a medal in the individual race, but it'll be hard and it won't be gold. The relay is the goal for the team and I'm very optimistic for the relay !

14 years after Albertville, maybe a new one ?
(French relay with Coco Niogret, Anne Briand and Veronique Claudel won surprisingly the competition)
Flo : Ahh, we hope so ! (grins)

How's the atmosphere in the team ?
Flo : Very good !
Juju : Yeah !!!

What memories do you have in your first World Cup race ?
Flo : Ohh … that's a long time ago !
Juju : It was in 1996, but I've no memories.
Flo : My first World Cup was in Bad Gastein in December 1994 and it was bad weather and wind and it weren't good races for me.

Do you think or feel anything before the start of a race ?
Flo : Sometimes you feel good and you think "yes, it'll be a great race", but it's always different. We try not to think ! Sometimes I'm a little nervous, but normally not.
Juju : Nothing ! It's only sport, I'm not nervous. Perhaps in the relay competitions …
Flo : … because it's for the team !

What was the best moment of your career so far ?
Juju : The bronze medal of Florence in the pursuit of World Championships 2000.
Flo : This was for me the best result, but I was very happy when the men won in the relay competition of World Championships in Pokljuka 2001. It was very emotional !

Why are you two so good at shooting ?
Juju : I don't know !
Flo : We don't know … we are bad at skiing, so we've to shoot good ! (both laugh)

What do you think about the changes in Biathlon, like Show-races and night-races ?
Juju : I think it's good for Biathlon and for the spectators and TV and I think it's a good idea.
Flo : The spectators like show and so we've to make this kind of races. After the night relays, we're more nervous in the evenings and it's difficult to sleep.

How did it all start with you ?
Flo : In 1997, we met in the national team.
Juju : Yes !!!

Is it an advantage that the partner is always there ?
Juju : It's good to be together, because some French men are far away from their partners …
Flo : … and it's difficult for them. For us it's easy and we're happy to be to together. We can speak about other things, but Biathlon and it's less stress. It's good for us !

What about having kids ?
(Look to each other and smile)
Flo : We'd like to have, but it's difficult, so I think I'll retire after this year or another one. But not more ! For children !!!

Interview made by Anne Gassner & Karolin Hemp in January 2006