Haute-Savoie. The return of the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival in Annecy from September 3 to 5 on the Pâquier
As you stroll along Lake Annecy or on the Pâquier, you have surely noticed the facilities and stands that have been taking shape over the past few days. It is a question of preparing the big meeting of the athletes of the mythical Nordic sport in roller skis: the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival. The first edition was held in 2019, and after a cancellation in 2020, due to a health crisis, it is back in force for a 2021 edition which will bring together the greatest.
In connection with the Biathlon World Cup which takes place in Grand-Bornand each winter, Martin Fourcade launched his own competition two years ago, that of the Nordic Festival. “It is above all to keep a link with supporters and the world of biathlon,” says the deputy mayor in charge of sports and sports associations, Catherine Allard. A wheel skiing event in the city of Annecy for its exceptional setting, but above all for its proximity to Grand-Bornand, which hosts the Biathlon World Cup.
A fan zone with a giant screen in addition to the stands
On the organization side, the five-time Olympic champion Martin Fourcade will be at the helm, supported by the company Alyanski, specializing in events. For logistics, equipment and coordination of the various services, the town hall takes over. “We put in place, Martin Fourcade, he uses”, underlines Perrine Pallud, from the Sports Department at the City of Annecy.
A large 2,600-seat grandstand and two 1,300-seat grandstands will welcome the public. A fan zone of 400 people will also make it possible to enjoy the event thanks to a giant screen. Of course, the health pass will be compulsory to access the festival.
On the other hand, spectators will not be asked for the race which will be held on avenue d’Albigny on Saturday 4 September. Traffic will nevertheless be cut for the duration of the event, that is to say all afternoon.
An unprecedented program
To open the festival, Gaëtan Roussel, member of the Louise Attaque group, will give voice for a new concert on Friday September 3. The concert will be preceded by a presentation of the athletes, including big names in sport: Tiril Eckhoff, a World Cup last winter, Sturla Holm Lægreid and Johannes Dale.
Throughout the weekend, the festival village will also host several exhibitor stands. And “activities will also be organized to promote biathlon”, indicates Catherine Allard.
The program
Friday September 3
12 noon: opening of the village; 6 p.m .: grandstands open for the first part of the concert; 8:30 p.m .: Gaëtan Roussel concert; 11 p.m .: closing of the village.
➤ Saturday September 4
9 am: opening of the village; 1:30 p.m .: cross-country skiing qualification test; 2:30 p.m .: women’s biathlon; 3:25 p.m .: men’s biathlon; 4:15 p.m.: ladies’ cross-country skiing; 5:05 p.m .: men’s cross-country skiing; 8 p.m .: closing of the village.
Sunday September 5th
8 hours: general public activities around biathlon