Decathlon CMA CGM have signed French biathlete Émilien Jacquelin, a four-time Olympic medalist, to their NewGen development program, signaling a strategic pivot towards leveraging elite endurance athletes in professional cycling. The move, announced this week, aims to capitalize on Jacquelin’s exceptional VO2 max and athletic potential as he transitions from snow to asphalt, hoping to replicate the success seen with Primož Roglič.
Beyond Roglič: The Growing Trend of Cross-Discipline Athletes
The acquisition of Jacquelin isn’t an isolated incident. Decathlon CMA CGM, and cycling teams more broadly, are increasingly scouting athletes from other endurance sports. The rationale is simple: foundational aerobic capacity is transferable. Although cycling-specific skills – pack riding, tactical positioning, and explosive power for short climbs – require development, a pre-existing high VO2 max provides a significant head start. What we have is particularly valuable in the WorldTour, where marginal gains are paramount. But the tape tells a different story. success isn’t guaranteed simply by athletic prowess. The transition demands a complete recalibration of muscle memory and neuromuscular coordination.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Jacquelin’s Draft Stock: Early projections place Jacquelin as a late-round flier in fantasy cycling drafts, dependent on his performance in initial races. Monitor his sprint capabilities closely.
- Sprint Specialist Potential: Decathlon’s assessment of Jacquelin’s explosive power suggests a potential focus on sprint stages. This could elevate his fantasy value significantly if he adapts quickly.
- Betting Odds Shift: Initial betting markets are unlikely to heavily favor Jacquelin in major races. However, a strong showing in early spring classics could dramatically shorten his odds.
The VO2 Max Advantage: Quantifying Athletic Potential
Jacquelin’s reported high VO2 max is the cornerstone of Decathlon’s gamble. VO2 max, the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise, is a key indicator of aerobic fitness. Elite cyclists typically have VO2 max values ranging from 70-80 ml/kg/min. While Jacquelin’s exact VO2 max hasn’t been publicly disclosed, his success as a biathlete strongly suggests he falls within, or even exceeds, this range. Here is what the analytics missed, though: VO2 max is only one piece of the puzzle. Cycling demands sustained power output, not just oxygen uptake. TrainingPeaks details the nuances of VO2 max training and its limitations in predicting cycling performance.
| Athlete | Sport | Estimated VO2 Max (ml/kg/min) | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Émilien Jacquelin | Biathlon | 75-85 | Aerobic Endurance |
| Tadej Pogačar | Cycling | 78-82 | All-Around Ability |
| Wout van Aert | Cycling | 80-84 | Power & Sprint |
| Primož Roglič | Cycling (formerly Ski Jumping) | 76-80 | Sustained Power |
Decathlon CMA CGM’s NewGen Program: A Long-Term Investment
The NewGen program is central to Decathlon CMA CGM’s strategy. Launched in 2024, it aims to cultivate young talent and bridge the gap between junior cycling and the WorldTour. Signing Jacquelin, at 30, represents a departure from the program’s typical focus on developing riders from a young age. It’s a calculated risk, leveraging Jacquelin’s established athletic base and marketability. The team’s Head of Performance, Jean-Baptiste Quiclet, emphasized the evaluation cycle planned for late spring. This period will be crucial in determining Jacquelin’s suitability for road cycling and identifying his potential role within the team.
“We’re not expecting him to be a Grand Tour contender overnight,” Quiclet stated in the team’s press release. “The goal is to assess his adaptability and determine where his strengths can best be utilized. We’re looking at everything from his power-to-weight ratio to his ability to handle the tactical complexities of road racing.”
The Tactical Challenges of Transitioning to Cycling
The transition from biathlon to cycling isn’t merely about physical conditioning. The tactical demands of road cycling are vastly different. Biathlon involves individual performance with limited tactical interplay during the shooting stages. Cycling, conversely, is a highly strategic team sport. Jacquelin will need to learn to navigate the peloton, conserve energy, and execute team tactics effectively. The pick-and-roll drop coverage, a common defensive tactic in basketball, has no direct equivalent in cycling, but the concept of anticipating and reacting to opponents’ moves is crucial. Cycling Weekly provides a detailed breakdown of common team tactics used in professional road racing.
“The biggest challenge for any athlete transitioning to cycling is learning the nuances of the peloton,” says former professional cyclist and Eurosport commentator, Robbie McEwen. “It’s not just about having strong legs; it’s about knowing when to expend energy, when to conserve it, and how to position yourself for success. It takes years to master.”
the low-block formation, frequently employed by teams to control the pace and protect their leaders, requires a level of coordination and trust that Jacquelin will need to develop quickly. His ability to read race situations and anticipate attacks will be paramount.
Front-Office Implications and the Pursuit of Marginal Gains
Decathlon CMA CGM’s investment in Jacquelin aligns with a broader trend in professional cycling: the pursuit of marginal gains. Teams are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve performance, and scouting athletes from other sports is one such avenue. This move doesn’t significantly impact the team’s immediate salary cap situation, as Jacquelin’s contract is likely structured as a development deal with performance-based incentives. However, a successful transition could increase the team’s overall brand value and attract further sponsorship opportunities. The team’s long-term success hinges on its ability to identify and nurture talent, and Jacquelin represents a high-risk, high-reward investment. VeloNews offers an in-depth look at the financial landscape of professional cycling.
Émilien Jacquelin’s success in cycling will depend on his adaptability, his willingness to learn, and his ability to translate his exceptional athletic potential into tangible results on the road. The coming months will be a critical evaluation period, determining whether this bold experiment will yield a new star in the world of professional cycling.
*Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.*
