24-year-old Tommy Giacomel and 23-year-old Eric Perrot are rising stars in biathlon. Several seasons of World Cup experience and multiple career highs last season have them on the cusp even bigger things in the new season.

Italy’s Giacomel finished in a personal best 8th in the World Cup Total Score, taking the Blue Bib (U25 title), won a medal in the IBU WCH Single Mixed Relay for the second consecutive season, and finished second in the Ruhpolding and Canmore Sprints. At the same time, France’s Perrot had a personal best of 11th in the Total Score and won Mixed Relay Gold and Men’s Relay Bronze in Nove Mesto na Morave before his career-first victory in the Soldier Hollow Sprint.

With the new season fast approaching, the duo recently talked about their breakthrough seasons and how they are approaching the coming winter.

BW: You had an end-of-the-season hot streak in North America, what did that do for your confidence going into summer and this upcoming season?

Tommy Giacomel: The end of my season was great, but I don’t think it increased my hunger to become a better athlete and person…it’s already big enough. Results don’t always go your way so I think an athlete should have enough inside to grind and go through every good/bad moment.

Eric Perrot: Yes, this hot streak helped me to gain a lot of experience in my biathlon. I learned how to race in front of the field with the big boys around me all the time. Of course, it helps to be more confident, but I know every season is different. If I want to have a chance to play in the front again, I have to train well this summer.

BW: What did you work on the most on this summer, shooting, building hours or…?

TG: As I started to know my body better in the last years; I know better what I need at certain times, whether it’s resting or more training. I also changed my rifle stock when we were in Norway for a training camp.

EP: I know I need to increase my shooting level if I want to have a chance for the overall. I put a lot of energy in this, but I worked on many different things.

BW: What is the key to cracking the Top 5 in the World Cup Total Score?

TG: Shooting better, but I think I can do that soon. I know what I am capable of.

EP: No secret, shoot well and ski fast. I want to be closer to 90% hits on the shooting. I know that I’ll also be faster; with that I can have a chance to get into the top 5 or higher.

BW: JT Boe’s mixture of effective shooting, ski speed and strategy keeps him at the top; what part of his “game” do you feel like you need to master to fight for the podium every week?

TG: If I would ski as fast as he does, I could make the same mistakes I am doing now and finish higher in the rankings. He can be a really good and accurate shooter but his biggest strength is for sure his big engine that equals fast skiing.

EP: A little bit of everything I think. For the moment he was faster and more precise than me. But this year I think I’ll be closer to him; then everything is possible. My best key is the will to improve, there is no better weapon in competition.

Biathlonworld: You won the Under 25 title, cracked the Top 10 in the Total Score, won another World Championships medal but still no World Cup win, is that goal number 1 for the next season?

Tommy Giacomel: ⁠Yes, it is, in some ways…but also finishing in the top 5 in the overall is a goal, maybe even bigger. Winning a race and then failing for some would be devastating. If I manage to stay high in the rankings my first win will come sooner or later. I hope it will happen next season!

Biathlonworld: You have the first victory and World Championships medals, but just missed the Top 10 in the Total Score, so what is your number 1 goal this season?

Eric Perrot: To be World Champion. That’s the next step. I also want to go for the Blue Bib and a good overall standing. I’m doing my best in training every day to have opportunities like that. Let’s see this winter if I’ll be good enough to go for my goals!

If it is all about talent, hard work and ambition then Tommy Giacomel and Eric Perrot are set to reach their goals and challenge the established stars in the coming seasons.

Photos: IBU/Christian Manzoni, Nordic Focus