Jacquelin Shifts to Cycling for One Season
Olympic gold medalist Émilien Jacquelin pauses biathlon to test cycling skills next season.
Key points
- Émilien Jacquelin signs a six-month internship with a cycling team for the next season.
- The 31-year-old won Olympic gold in the relay and bronze in the pursuit in February.
- He remains committed to competing in the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
Émilien Jacquelin leaves biathlon for cycling next year. The 31-year-old Frenchman announced the switch to fans via video. He remains committed to the 2030 Winter Games.
This is a pause, not a farewell. He holds a six-month internship with a professional team. The move follows a shoulder injury sustained in early May.
A Six-Month Cycling Trial
Jacquelin signed a short-term contract with the Decathlon-CMA CGM development squad. He began testing his skills on two wheels in early May. The arrangement covers the upcoming summer season.
Despite a broken collarbone from a fall, he raced in summer events. The injury required surgery but did not stop him. He competed shortly after the medical procedure.
Gold Medals In Antholz
In February, Jacquelin stood atop the podium in Italy. He won gold in the relay at Antholz. He also took bronze in the pursuit event.
His Olympic goals remain fixed on the French Alps. The next Winter Games arrive in three and a half years. He intends to return to biathlon for that moment.
A Message To Fans
The athlete addressed his biathlon supporters directly. He promised they would see each other again. The decision was shared through the French Ski Federation.
Sportschau Wintersport reported on this career pivot. The shift highlights his desire for variety. He seeks new physical challenges before his next major goal.
