Five Burning Questions for Eric Perrot
This past weekend culminated the season Eric Perrot dreamed of and prepared for, winning the big Crystal Globe for the World Cup Total Score. He expected a huge battle, but once Tommy Giacomel dropped out with heart issues, it became a runaway for Perrot who admitted last summer, “That has been my dream, my big goal. I feel I can touch it this winter.” Now he can say, “Mission accomplished.”
The 24-year-old came into the season as the man most likely to challenge or top 2025 winner Sturla Holm Laegreid. Laegreid called his young rival, “a young, strong guy who has basically everything he needs. He will be hard to compete with…” Perrot’s lightning-fast shooting cadence, strong track presence, and eye on the prize fueled his season. After falling well behind early, he was up to second by the Christmas break. January saw early leader Johan-Olav Smoerdal Botn fall back after the untimely death of Sivert Bakken and Giacomel move into Yellow. Perrot claimed the Yellow Bib he sought after the Nove Mesto Mass Start, jumping ahead of his Italian rival. With Giacomel out, all Perrot had to do was finish it off, which he did with third in the Oslo Sprint.
That afternoon, after finally holding the big Crystal Globe, he answered our five burning questions and a bonus about going home at season’s end.
Biathlonworld: What does it feel like now that you finally have the Big Crystal Globe for the Total Score?
Eric Perrot: It means a lot. That’s crazy. Difficult to put the right words on it. It is huge, I have been working for it since I started biathlon with my club in France. I built this with my family, because we are a biathlon family at home. I have been dreaming about this for so long. I have the Yellow Jersey of Raphael Poirée at home. I have many stories from the big champion before I was born, because my parents were racing before me. I watched Johannes Boe and have been racing with Martin Fourcade and Quentin Fillon Maillet. So, it is a little bit difficult for me to understand that I am a part of this family, of the big names and be able to take the overall. That is just crazy, but I am going to enjoy this.
BW: How much did you miss the rivalry with Tommy in these past few weeks?
EP: I was really sad. When I was talking with him and he told me he couldn’t race the rest of the season. I was not prepared for this to happen. I took a little bit of time to understand and accept it. Then I said, ‘okay, the fight will be with myself this year to take it.’ The rivalry we had and also with Johan-Olav in the beginning of the season was really strong. So, I can’t wait to have it in all of the coming seasons.
BW: Is there one competition that stands out that you are most proud of?
EP: Of course, the Olympics were big for me. Nove Mesto was really strong for me just before the Olympics and Kontiolahti just after. Two big weeks where I secured a big part of the Yellow Jersey. To be able to take many wins at this time was maybe the best moment for me this season.
BW: Now with your first Total Score win in hand, how much more respect do you have for Johannes, Martin, Ole, and Raphael with their multiple wins?
EP: I have so much respect for them anyway. Before doing this, I knew it was going to be tough. I knew what I had to do to perform at this level. They are still at the top of the list because they did it many times. I have a lot of work to do before I can join them. I have such big respect for what they have done. I just want to continue my own way and to make the best possible in the next years.
BW: Simon Fourcade said at your first camp with him back in May 2023 said that “you were focused and knew exactly what you wanted to achieve,” so have you achieved everything you hoped for by age 24?
EP: I am close to everything I wanted to. My dream is to win everything possible in biathlon. I think the only thing I did not make individually is the Olympic Gold medal, so it is still in front of me. My dream is still going; I can continue the work and have the chance. At the same time, I have achieved so many good things. I am really proud about what happened today and will try to enjoy this before going back to work.
Biathlonworld Bonus: What will Eric Perrot’s first week at home look like after the season ends?
EP: Many things after the season with media and partners. I need to share it (my success) with all the people who have been working with me. That is a big project. I would not have made it without those people around me, so I will share it with everyone. Then I will just take a simple rest at home. I am a simple person. I just need some time in my bed, looking back, enjoying every second. I think the coming three weeks will be really cool. It was an enjoyable journey.
And just like that, the season ended, with Eric bringing home the Total Score, Individual, Pursuit and Mass Start Crystal Globes, while already looking forward to the upcoming season.
Photos: IBU/Manzoni, Yevenko, Nordic Focus
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