French biathlon Olympic champion Émilien Jacquelin will make his professional cycling debut with team Decathlon CMA CGM at La Polynormande on August 16, 2026.
The 31-year-old athlete from Grenoble joined the Savoyard team on a six-month trial at the end of March 2026. He completes an intensive preparation phase that included an altitude training camp in July.
Decathlon CMA CGM announced his three-race schedule on Thursday, August 6. Following his debut at La Polynormande, a race created by former Tour de France announcer Daniel Mangeas, Jacquelin will compete in the Tour du Limousin from August 18 to 21 across four challenging stages.
The French National Olympic and Sports Committee selected Jacquelin to race the road event at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, on August 24. He will be the only French rider at the start of the race, completing a series of three events in less than ten days.
Race schedule and preparation
Jacquelin said in a team press release that these selections represent an important step in his journey and expressed a desire to give his maximum for the team. He noted that he is aware of the opportunity offered to him, but prefers to put emotions aside to remain focused on his performance. He added that his sole priority is to progress and support his teammates, including new teammate Paul Seixas.
Decathlon CMA CGM performance director Jean-Baptiste Quiclet confirmed that performance data validated Jacquelin's preparation. Quiclet described the routes as demanding but compatible with Jacquelin's profile, stating that the goal is for him to integrate into the group, contribute to the team, and learn how to manage professional races before discussing future plans.
Cycling passion and Olympic career
Jacquelin has loved cycling since childhood and admires Marco Pantani, who won both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia in 1998. At the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where Jacquelin won two medals, he wore an earring that belonged to Pantani after receiving permission from the late rider's family.
It remains to be seen whether Jacquelin can make an impression in professional cycling before returning to biathlon. His debut comes alongside broader cycling news, including Paul Seixas launching a women's section at his team ahead of the Tour de France Femmes 2026, and debates comparing legends Eddy Merckx, Tadej Pogačar, and Bernard Hinault.
Other recent developments in cycling include Remco Evenepoel winning his fourth Clasica San Sebastian title after a battle against Richard Carapaz, while another rider withdrew after being hit by a car during training. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar proposed radical heat adaptation measures for the Tour de France, and a Japanese Olympic medalist died after striking a barrier following his return from retirement.
Coverage published by Auxence Cames for La Dépêche du Midi also noted ongoing sports debates, such as a darts champion claiming supremacy over Lamine Yamal, while Jacquelin prepares for his upcoming road races in France and Italy.
