Siegfried Mazet Returns to France: The End of a Golden Era for Norwegian Biathlon
OSLO/PARIS, 23 February 2026 — The landscape of international biathlon has shifted decisively following the conclusion of the Winter Olympics. Siegfried Mazet, the French shooting mastermind who transformed Norway into an untouchable powerhouse over the last decade, is officially returning to his roots. Reports from L’Équipe confirmed just three days ago that Mazet will soon be appointed as the shooting coach for the French national team, marking a sensational homecoming for the man who once guided Martin Fourcade to greatness.
The “Olympic Rodeo” Concludes
Mazet’s departure from the Norwegian camp was not a sudden decision. As early as August 2025, the coach signaled that the 2025/26 season would be his “last Olympic rodeo” with the Scandinavian squad. His tenure ended on a high note at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, despite the absence of the legendary Johannes Thingnes Bø, who retired in January 2025. Mazet’s ability to maintain Norway’s dominance—guiding athletes like Sturla Holm Lægreid and Johan-Olav Botn to the podium—cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest shooting coach in the history of the sport.
A Decade of Domination: The Mazet Effect
Since joining Norway in 2016, Mazet has been the “secret weapon” behind a staggering run of success. His philosophy moved away from rigid military-style discipline toward a more individualized, psychological approach to the shooting range. Under his guidance, the Norwegian men’s team secured:
- Seven Men’s Nations Cups.
- Six Men’s Total Score titles.
- Dozens of Olympic and World Championship medals.
His impact was perhaps best summarized by Sturla Holm Lægreid, who famously remarked during the 2025/26 season that Mazet’s confidence in his athletes was so high, he joked they “could shoot with a salami” and still hit the target.
The French Homecoming
Mazet’s return to the French Federation (FFS) comes at a time of transition for the team. Having served as the French shooting coach from 2008 to 2016, he was the architect of the early successes of Vincent Jay and the era-defining dominance of Martin Fourcade. His move back to France is seen as a strategic masterstroke to reclaim the top spot in the Nations Cup from a Norwegian team that must now find a successor to fill Mazet’s considerable shoes.
The Challenges of the Final Season
The final months of Mazet’s tenure in Norway were not without drama. Beyond the tactical pressures of the Olympics, Mazet had to manage significant distractions within the team, including the public controversy surrounding Sturla Holm Lægreid’s personal life during the Games. Despite these hurdles, Mazet remained a “tremendous character on the sidelines,” as noted by peers, maintaining the focus of his athletes until the final race in Italy.
Siegfried Mazet: Career Milestones
| Period | Role | Key Athletes/Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2016 | Shooting Coach, France | Martin Fourcade, Vincent Jay (Olympic Gold) |
| 2016–2026 | Shooting Coach, Norway | Johannes Thingnes Bø, Sturla Holm Lægreid, 7 Nations Cups |
| 2026–Present | Shooting Coach, France | Appointed following Milan-Cortina Olympics |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did Siegfried Mazet leave Norway?
Mazet expressed a desire for a new challenge and a return to his home country after a decade abroad. He officially announced his intention to step down after the 2026 Olympics during the summer of 2025, citing the end of a natural cycle following the retirement of key athletes like Johannes Thingnes Bø.
Who will replace Mazet in the Norwegian team?
As of February 2026, the Norwegian Biathlon Association has confirmed they have a successor “on the hook,” though an official name has yet to be publicly announced to the international media.
What is Mazet’s coaching philosophy?
Mazet is known for focusing on the mental state of the shooter and “race preparation.” He emphasizes adaptability and speed, often pushing his athletes to take risks on the range to put pressure on their opponents, a tactic that became the hallmark of the Norwegian “speed-shooting” style.
How many Olympic medals did Norway win under Mazet?
While the final tally for 2026 is being codified, Mazet’s influence contributed to over 20 Olympic medals for the Norwegian men’s team across three Olympic cycles (2018, 2022, and 2026), including multiple relay golds.