Emmeline Ragot retires

French downhill star Emmeline Ragot has retired from racing and will instead focus on practising physiotherapy.

Ragot took to Facebook to announce the news:

“Today is a big day….I think there is a time for everything, it has been 13 year that I’m racing and I now take the heavy decision to stop. It’s time for my retirement, I will not be racing in 2016.

“I’m really happy to be part of the downhill mountain bike family and I will keep amazing memories from over the year,” she added.

The two time world champion also praised rival and friend Rachel Atherton for the clashes they shared throughout the years:

“I would like to say a big thanks to Rach for the great battle over the years. I remember our first battle in 2004 at the European Championships when we were juniors.

“I will not disappear completely. I’m looking to join a team for next year as a physic, so I can look after the riders at this time.”

“Thank you… and a small good bye,” she ended with.

The 29-year-old has suffered an injury hit career with multiple ankle breaks and a smashed radius from earlier in the season and in this weekend’s racing from Val Di Sole, rival and friend Rachel Atherton carried her on to the podium after injuring her ankle where she announced her retirement.

After the race Rachel took to Instagram to pay tribute to her long standing rival.

“The sport will not be the same without her, the crazy speed, the daring,the skills on a bike, the massive smile, Ragot pushed the level of women’s riding right to the limit. We have had an awesome 11 year battle together and she has won 2 x junior World Champs titles & 2x senior World Champs, and numerous wins, Ragot has done it all. Respect to you girl.we will miss you”

Ragot completed her six year part time study in Kinesiology this year, and will now be looking to feature on the World Cup circuit as a physiotherapist.