The world of professional cycling is seeing an intriguing influx of talent from other disciplines and the latest addition is particularly notable. Decathlon CMA CGM, a rising force in the UCI WorldTour, has signed Émilien Jacquelin, a four-time Olympic medalist in skiing, to their NewGen development program. This move isn’t a gamble on raw athleticism alone; it’s a calculated bet on a unique combination of endurance, explosive power, and a lifelong passion for cycling. The team believes Jacquelin’s exceptional physiological profile, specifically a high VO2 max honed through years of elite skiing, will translate effectively to success on the road.
Jacquelin, 30, recently added to his impressive Olympic haul with gold and bronze medals at the Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Games, following up on double silver medals from Beijing in 2022. While celebrated for his prowess on the ski course, cycling has always been a significant part of his training regimen. This isn’t a sudden career shift, but rather the fulfillment of a long-held ambition, according to the team’s press release. The move highlights a growing trend of athletes crossing over from endurance sports, leveraging transferable skills and a dedication to peak physical condition.
A Proven Engine: VO2 Max and Athletic Potential
What makes Jacquelin an attractive prospect for Decathlon CMA CGM isn’t simply his Olympic pedigree, but the underlying physiological attributes that fueled his success in skiing. “We are banking on strong athletic potential and a high VO2 max, which, having already proven itself on skis, should come into its own on the bike,” explained Jean-Baptiste Quiclet, Decathlon’s Head of Performance, in a statement. Decathlon CMA CGM is betting that Jacquelin’s ability to efficiently process oxygen – a key indicator of endurance capacity – will give him a competitive edge in cycling. A high VO2 max is crucial for sustained effort, whether navigating a challenging mountain stage or sprinting to the finish line.
The team isn’t overlooking Jacquelin’s explosive power, developed through the demands of biathlon. They believe this could translate into surprising speed and agility on the road, potentially making him a formidable sprinter. The evaluation cycle planned for late spring will be critical in assessing his capabilities and identifying the specific cycling disciplines where he might excel. This isn’t simply about transferring skills; it’s about identifying how best to leverage his existing strengths within the context of professional cycling.
Following a Familiar Path: Skiers on Two Wheels
Jacquelin isn’t the first skier to attempt a transition to professional cycling. Perhaps the most prominent example is Primož Roglič, now riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, who successfully made the switch and has become a Grand Tour contender, winning the Giro d’Italia in 2023. Roglič’s success has paved the way for others, demonstrating that the physical and mental fortitude developed in skiing can be effectively applied to cycling.
Florian Lipowitz, a teammate of Roglič, also made the transition from skiing to cycling, achieving notable results including a podium finish in the Tour de France. Before them, Anton Palzer spent five years with Roglič’s current team, and Carl Fredrik Hagen, a former top-ten finisher in the Vuelta a España, also came from a skiing background. Hagen’s story, and others like it, illustrate a historical precedent for cross-discipline success, with teams even incorporating cross-country skiing into winter training camps for cyclists in the past.
A Long-Held Dream Realized
For Jacquelin, this move represents more than just a fresh career path; it’s a deeply personal ambition. “This is a project that has been brewing in the back of my mind,” he said in a team press release. “While the 2030 Winter Games in France remain a goal, I now feel the urge to explore something new and compete at the highest level in cycling by joining the Decathlon CMA CGM team.” His dedication to cycling extends beyond training; during the Winter Olympics, he notably wore an earring belonging to the late Marco Pantani, a legendary Italian cyclist, a gesture lent to him by Pantani’s family as a tribute to his sporting hero.
The Decathlon CMA CGM NewGen team, established in 2024, serves as a development pathway for young riders, nurturing talent from the junior ranks to the professional level. Jacquelin’s inclusion adds a unique dimension to the program, bringing a wealth of experience and a different perspective to the team. The NewGen program aims to provide a supportive environment for riders to hone their skills and reach their full potential, and Jacquelin’s journey will be closely watched as a potential blueprint for future cross-discipline transitions.
The coming months will be crucial as Jacquelin adapts to the demands of professional cycling. The evaluation cycle in late spring will provide a clearer picture of his strengths and weaknesses, and the team will operate to develop a training plan tailored to his specific needs. The transition won’t be without its challenges, but Jacquelin’s unwavering enthusiasm and exceptional athletic foundation suggest he’s well-equipped to embrace this new chapter in his career.
The team will continue to provide updates on Jacquelin’s progress throughout the spring evaluation period. Fans can follow the Decathlon CMA CGM team’s website and social media channels for the latest news and insights. The story of Émilien Jacquelin is a testament to the power of athletic versatility and the pursuit of new challenges, and it’s a narrative that’s only just beginning to unfold.
What are your thoughts on this exciting transition? Share your comments below and let us know if you consider Jacquelin has what it takes to succeed in the world of professional cycling.
