'Strong athletic potential and a high VO2 max' – Decathlon CMA CGM sign skier and four-time Olympic medallist Émilien Jacquelin for NewGen Devo team project

Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale's NewGen Devo team has announced the signing of four-time Olympic medallist biathlete Émilien Jacquelin. The 28-year-old Frenchman, known for his cross-country skiing and shooting prowess, will join the development squad with a focus on exploring his sprinting potential in cycling. Crucially, Jacquelin will continue his biathlon career, aiming for the 2030 Winter Olympics, making this a dual-sport commitment.

This move by Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale underscores a growing trend of professional cycling teams scouting athletes from other endurance disciplines, particularly those with high VO2 max capabilities and explosive power. Jacquelin's proven athletic pedigree and competitive drive are undeniable, but transitioning from the specific demands of biathlon to the nuanced tactics and bike handling of professional road cycling, especially while maintaining a top-tier winter sports career, presents a formidable challenge. It’s a calculated gamble on raw talent.

While Jacquelin’s VO2 max might be off the charts, translating cross-country ski sprinting into bike sprinting success requires more than just lung capacity. The peloton awaits with bated breath, or perhaps, a wry smile.