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Frenchman Raphael Poiree to coach Belarusian men's biathlon team

 

Raphael Poiree, a retired French biathlon star, has signed a contract to take over as head coach of the Belarusian men's biathlon team.

The 37-year-old Poiree put pen to paper on the two-year deal at the Rawbichy winter sports center close to Minsk on May 15. He will be assisted by former Belarusian biathlete Alyaksandr Syman.

The Belarusian Biathlon Federation has tasked the men's team with getting into the top 10 in the Nations Cup next season.

In an interview with BelaPAN, Mr. Poiree said that he believed that the team would improve its performance and described his new job as a challenge.

Born in France on August 9, 1974, Raphael Poiree was an active biathlete between 1995 and 2007. With his 44 World Cup wins, eight world titles and three Olympic medals, he ranks among the most successful biathletes ever.

He is married to retired Norwegian biathlon star Liv Grete Skjelbreid. His wife and their three daughters are expected to continue to live in Norway.