The 30-year-old Jacquelin, who has an Olympic gold and five World Championship golds on his record, will integrate into the cycling environment through September 30. According to official sources, this period aligns with his next Olympic campaign targeting the home games in the French Alps in 2030, serving as perfect preparation for the upcoming biathlon World Cup season. Jacquelin finished fifth in the overall World Cup last season, and he has drawn inspiration from cycling, having worn an earring after his idol, the late super cyclist Marco Pantani, during the Olympics. According to SVT Sport, Émilien Jacquelin described wanting to live out this childhood dream and broaden his horizons by stepping outside his comfort zone. He added that he wishes to honor the team's trust and live this childhood dream with humility, because he knows the demands it requires. The specific terms or duration of Jacquelin's contract with DECATHLON CMA CGM beyond the initial period ending September 30 remain unclear, as does how long he will prioritize cycling over biathlon.
DECATHLON CMA CGM participates in major races like the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, providing Jacquelin with a high-level platform. According to Aftonbladet, he will be teammates with Norwegians Maris Dahl Innhaug and Kasper Haugland on the development team, though the impact of his cycling participation on his biathlon training schedule or performance in upcoming World Cup events is not yet known. According to SVT Sport, Émilien Jacquelin described committing to give one hundred percent without doing any half-measures, while also sharing his experience with younger cyclists.
I want to live out this childhood dream.
In unrelated sports news, Arsenal is grappling with extensive player absences as international duties approach. Multiple reports indicate that almost an entire eleven of Arsenal players have reported unavailability from their national team duties, including Martin Ødegaard, who has struggled with an injury and was not called up to Norway's squad. When defender Gabriel reported unavailability to the Brazil squad six days ago, he was the fifth player not to show up for an international match, according to sources. The list of unavailable Arsenal players includes Leandro Trossard (Belgium), William Saliba (France), Eberechi Eze (England), Jurriën Timber (Netherlands), Gabriel (Brazil), Noni Madueke (England), Bukayo Saka (England), Declan Rice (England), Piero Hincapié (Ecuador), and Martín Zubimendi (Spain), as reported by major media. The exact reasons for each player's unavailability beyond general injury or squad management have not been detailed.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta needs a fit squad for the end of the season, with the impact of these absences on their performance in the final matches of the Premier League season still uncertain. In the Premier League, the London club has a gap of nine points down to Manchester City, which has one game in hand, according to sources. This situation adds pressure as Arsenal aims to maintain its position in the league standings amid the player shortages.
The goal is to broaden my horizons. I want to step outside my comfort zone.
I want to give one hundred percent without doing any half-measures. I am aware of the opportunity I have been given, and I am also committed to sharing my experience with the younger cyclists.