Even the weather played its part with blue skies and sunshine for the opening day of competition at Les Tuffes - the national centre for Nordic sport in France.

A large and enthusiastic crowd waved flags and roared their approval every time the biathletes hit the target in the shooting phases of competition.

Vancouver 2010 biathlon medallist Marie Laure Brunet, an athlete role model at Lausanne 2020 kept an expert eye on competition.

"I am not surprised the crowd was so responsive," Brunet told insidethegames.

"The public here really appreciate biathlon and they are here to support all athletes, not just the French, so it  was a really good moment and I think it will be the same for all the competitions.

"It is a really good thing to have a part of these Youth Olympic Games in France, because the stadium is really beautiful, it is close to Switzerland and close to Lausanne.

"I think it is pretty good to have this kind of cooperation between two countries and it shows it is possible to share the experience and to create a good event together. 

"It could inspire other organisations and be a good example for the future."

There was plenty for the fans to enjoy, with 97 biathletes in the women’s individual 10 kilometres race and 99 taking part in the men’s 12.5km.

The flags waved in the spectator stands high above the finish to acclaim double gold for Russia thanks to Alena Mokhova in the women’s race and Oleg Domichek in the men’s.

There were also medals for the home French fans to cheer.

Mathieu Garcia watched compatriot Jeanne Richard win silver in the women’s race before taking bronze himself.

"Competing at home is just something amazing," he told insidethegames.

"You have your public, you have your French friends on the track, and it just felt amazing when I crossed the line and I was third."

Garcia has relished the chance to learn from the likes of legendary Olympic champion Martin Fourcade and emerging star Emilien Jacquelin.

"All of the French team in biathlon is super strong and I have the chance to train with them often," he added.

A Lausanne 2020 ‘sport initiation’ at the venue gave the next generation the chance to experience biathlon, and there was no shortage of willing young patrons throughout the day.

"I think for the young, the impact will be really positive - it is like an inspiration for them," Brunet said.

Competition continues tomorrow with the single mixed relay.