Biathlon star denied entry into US

Bitter break with French biathlon team: World champion Sophie Savio denied entry to US

The 24-year-old announced on Instagram that he will miss the World Cup, which starts on Friday in Soldier Hollow, Utah, in the US state. There were problems with his Esta entry form, Chauveau wrote.

France women's coach Cyrille Burdette later explained: “Her esta was not recognized. We don't know the official reason, but we can imagine that it is related to her trip to Cuba in 2022. That could be the reason.”

“Hard blow” for biathlon star

For Chauveau, being denied entry and losing the races at Soldier Hollow was a “hard blow,” Burdett added: “She's in good shape.” Further plans now call for the 24-year-old to prepare more aggressively for the upcoming World Cup in Canmore/Canada, the coach revealed.

According to Burdett, the denied entry was a setback not only for Chauveau, but also for the rest of the team who were spoiled for success this winter. “He's a key figure, especially in relays,” the coach complained.

According to “Le Dauphiné”, the French Sports Ministry is already actively working to solve this problem and has therefore contacted the US Embassy in Paris. But this is no guarantee of a timely solution, the newspaper writes.

A biathlon star in top form

For Chauveau, the loss at Soldier Hollow is also bittersweet, as his form curve is now steeply upward. The 24-year-old didn't just shine at the world championships, where he finished fourth in the sprint and pursuit and won gold in the relay.

He showed himself in impressive form at the World Cup in Oslo and finished seventh and eighth in the individual and mass start. Together with the mixed relay team, he even celebrated a victory.