From skis to the road, Émilien Jacquelin is taking a swing at professional cycling. Well, at least at the Continental level, to start.
The 30-year-old Frenchman, an Olympic biathlon medalist and multiple world title holder, will join the Decathlon CMA CGM development team from May 1. The move, as announced by his team, marks a rare crossover from winter sport to the peloton.
Jacquelin said the idea had been “in the back of my mind for a while,” even as he continues to keep one eye on the 2030 Olympic Games in France. For now, though, the focus shifts fully to cycling.
“I have always ridden,” he said, referencing both his childhood and his off-season training. “But now every day will be a new challenge.”
During the recent Winter Games, Jacquelin drew attention by wearing an earring worn by Marco Pantani, a nod that may now follow him into cycling.
“Today, I have the privilege of keeping the Pantani flame alive for a few races,” Jacquelin said. “During these two weeks of the Olympic Games, I will be wearing Marco’s earring. His family is lending it to me so I can race with it here in Italy.”
On cycling
Pantani was one of his heroes growing up. And now, he’s diving into the late Italian legend’s sport.
“I want to give 100 per cent, without half measures. I am aware of the opportunity offered to me and I am also keen to bring my experience to the youngest,” he said. “I want to honour the team’s trust and live this childhood dream with humility. Because I know the demands it takes. I thank the team for this magnificent opportunity.”
👀🚲 “Je suis en train de vivre pleinement mon rêve de petit garçon.”
🚨😲 EMILIEN JACQUELIN REJOINT DECATHLON CMA CGM ET DÉBUTE UNE CARRIÈRE DE CYCLISTE !https://t.co/4dP3mlvbNn pic.twitter.com/Ki7myfuaKu
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) March 29, 2026
The legendary Marco Pantani
The Italian rose to stardom in the late 1990s. Pantani was nicknamed Il Pirata because of his shaved head, bandana and earrings. During his impressive career, he won both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France in 1998.
However, his story was a tragedy. He was ejected from his beloved Giro for high hematocrit values–before there was a test for EPO, it was the only way the UCI could flag possible doping. He then went through a period of depression and drug use. Pantani died February 14, 2004, at just 34, from acute cocaine poisoning.
The whole Klæbo thing
There was a brief moment when another high…
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