Alison Jackson's Enduring Passion: A New Chapter with St Michel-Préférence Home-Auber93

Embracing Change: A Cyclist's Journey of Resilience and Leadership

Undeterred by Team Changes: Jackson's Commitment to Cycling

Alison Jackson, a distinguished athlete who has previously claimed victory in Paris-Roubaix and currently holds the Canadian national road champion title, approaches her late thirties with undiminished enthusiasm for professional cycling. Even after receiving news of her non-renewal from EF Education–Oatly, coincidentally in the same week she triumphed at Gracia Orlová, Jackson unequivocally expressed her unwavering dedication to the sport. She firmly believes she still possesses the capability to win races and thrives on the dynamic and unpredictable nature of competitive cycling, dismissing any thoughts of retirement.

A New Horizon: Joining St Michel–Préférence Home–Auber93

Jackson's athletic journey is set to continue with the UCI Women's ProTeam, St Michel–Préférence Home–Auber93, a French squad that recently secured significant sponsorship from Premier Tech, a Canadian enterprise renowned for its history of supporting cyclists, particularly from Quebec. This move, facilitated by bike manufacturer Cannondale, a sponsor shared by both her former and new teams, presented an intriguing prospect. Following constructive discussions with St Michel's management, Jackson was convinced by their respect for her abilities and the leadership role she could undertake in developing the team.

Cultivating Canadian Talent and Future Generations

The addition of Jackson to St Michel–Préférence Home–Auber93 is poised to significantly bolster the team's Canadian contingent, joining fellow compatriots Simone Boilard and Clara Émond. This alignment creates a robust platform for Canadian cyclists, a vision further reinforced by Premier Tech's sponsorship. Jackson highlights the increasing prominence of Canadian women in cycling, citing her Paris-Roubaix win as a catalyst and celebrating the emergence of new talents like Magdaliene Vallieres, a world champion. She expresses immense excitement about the support from Premier Tech and views this period as an opportune moment for investment in women's cycling in Canada.

Sustained Ambitions: Major Races and Olympic Dreams

Beyond her role as a mentor and captain for the next generation of cyclists, particularly within Canada, Jackson harbors ambitious personal goals. She expresses a strong desire to secure another victory at Paris-Roubaix, a race that profoundly influenced her career. Additionally, Flanders ranks high on her list of coveted wins. Her ambitions extend to achieving stage victories at prestigious events like the Tour de France Femmes or the Giro, complementing her existing Vuelta stage win. Defending her national champion title annually also remains a key objective.

Eyes on the Future: World Championships and Los Angeles 2028

The prospect of the 2026 World Championships in Montréal presents a unique, once-in-a-career opportunity for Jackson, making team selection a significant priority. She anticipates an extraordinary atmosphere for Canadian riders, especially with a reigning world champion within their ranks, predicting a stellar performance from the team. Looking further ahead, the two-time Olympian is already setting her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Games, aiming to leverage her extensive experience to contribute to a North American team striving for peak performance.

Strategic Advantages in a ProTeam Environment

While some might question whether a ProTeam setting can fully accommodate Jackson's grand ambitions, she perceives distinct advantages in joining a second-division squad. With WorldTour teams facing increasingly demanding race schedules, St Michel's more adaptable program offers a strategic balance of high-profile starts and targeted lower-tier races. This approach allows the team to cultivate a winning mentality and refine strategies in a less pressured environment, a crucial step toward success in major competitions. Jackson is confident that her rich experience, combined with the team's established infrastructure, will lead to significant achievements in the upcoming season.

Building Team Cohesion and Enhanced Visibility

Jackson's new chapter will commence with a team camp in Mallorca in January, followed by early-season races designed to foster team chemistry. She emphasizes the importance of learning and growing together, even through mistakes, in a low-pressure setting to strengthen the team for future challenges. Beyond her racing prowess, Jackson brings a unique asset to the French team: her engaging and humorous social media presence, which has made her one of the most recognizable figures in the women's peloton. This visibility offers invaluable reach for the team and its sponsors, and provides fans with an accessible entry point into the sport, demonstrating that cycling is not exclusively an elite domain.

Inspiring Authenticity and Continued Ambition

Jackson prides herself on making cycling more entertaining and relatable, drawing in a broader audience who might not typically follow traditional men's racing. She sees herself as a "family connector," bridging the gap between hardcore fans and those new to the sport. Her belief in showcasing cycling as an inclusive activity, where athletes can achieve top performance while being their authentic selves, resonates deeply. As she embarks on this new phase, Jackson maintains an unwavering commitment to both nurturing Canadian cycling talent and pursuing her own high-level aspirations, illustrating that her journey is far from over despite a brief foray into gravel cycling, which she views as a retirement option for the distant future.