Émilien Jacquelin adds cycling success to biathlon career

Émilien Jacquelin has added another strong sign of progress to his move from biathlon into road cycling, helping Decathlon CMA CGM secure a stage victory at the Tour of Britain. The former biathlon world champion worked in support of teammate Olav Kooij, who finished the day as the winner.

The success came on the race’s third stage. Jacquelin spent the closing kilometres at the front of the peloton, helping bring back the remaining breakaway riders and reduce the gap before the finish. Earlier, he had also worked to place his teammates well and limit their exposure to the wind during a tense day on the road.

It was another step in a transition that began with his first road races this summer. Jacquelin had already shown promise at the Tour du Limousin Périgord Nouvelle-Aquitaine in late August, where he accumulated long spells at the front of the race. The Britain stage introduced him to more demanding work in crosswinds and in the fight for position, while confirming his value in a collective role.

Jacquelin remains conscious that he is still learning the discipline. He described the team’s victory as particularly striking after having competed in biathlon alongside Martin Fourcade and Johannes Boe, and after winning a world title in that sport. For now, his cycling education is producing results for Kooij and Decathlon CMA CGM.