Florent Payet aims to reach 100 World Cup appearances by the end of the season with 97 races to his name. Florent is heading towards a job with the Scott team, where he will focus on coaching, planning and training.
Recall that Payet won a DH European title in 2017 and a podium at the 1996 World Cup.
Message from Florent Payet
2003 saw me take off for the first time in the world cup, a dream of mine since I was a kid!
Looking back on that first race now it seems like a lifetime has gone by: after 18 seasons, 9 world championships, 4 European championships and 97 World Cup finals, hundreds of airline tickets and many good memories, I'm still here! It saddens me to say that I've decided it's time to hang up the bike and shift my focus to other aspects within the team. I still have 5 World Cup races left and I will love every second of them and before I go I will try to reach those 100 World Cup Finals.
To all the people around me who ask if it's a joke… it's not, I have been thinking a lot about this life choice and I know it's time to announce my retirement from the World Cup races. Difficult decision, but nothing will change other than not being at the highest level: I grew up with a bike and will continue to race and compete with my bike in other great events!
I now feel I have more to bring to my team in a performance, planning and coaching role to help all team members get the most out of their careers.
I am also excited to continue racing, testing and developing the SCOTT bike to help the team be even stronger.
I would like to thank all the people who have supported me and who have made my dreams come true and continue to give me the opportunity to continue living them.
First of all, I thank my family, the extraordinary people I have met throughout my career, the brands that have trusted me, especially Scott Bikes.
Finally, a huge thank you to DS Patrice Afflatet with whom I competed for 39 World Championships and of course my fantastic girlfriend. To all friends and fans who they followed me: thank you guys for sharing the good times with me, and it will always be great to have you in my heart forever.
Thank you!
