The “Crafty Frenchman”, Christophe Pourcel, has officially retired from professional motocross and supercross racing today with a statement from his Instagram account.
“Well, today is the day, I am pleased to announce my retirement from racing. It’s all I’ve ever known, but I have been so blessed and fortunate to race all around the world in front of many fans and to work with many great companies. From racing GP’s, winning a world championship, then coming to America, two super cross championships, winning races… and now finding a new life here in the states, racing has given me so much. Those good times don’t come without tough times, from my paralyzing accident in 2007, internal injuries, countless collar bones, to my most recent neck fractures… I’ve had my fair share of injuries but I’m happy to walk away happy and healthy.”
“I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life away from racing. I’ve sacrificed so much in life, things that are normal for most people, to dedicate my life to racing and training. I want to enjoy this time now with my wife, family, and friends and to say THANK YOU to all the great people and companies that have supported me throughout my career and to the fans who have enjoyed watching me race. It’s been a tough decision, I know I can still be competitive but my body has said enough with the injuries!! I’m 29 and have so much more life to live. Again thank you all and see you around!!”
The Frenchman was known to frustrate the people he worked with and he was not well loved by the US fans, but no matter what you thought of him the #377 will go down in history as one of the most talented French riders to ever throw a leg over a dirt bike. He has had a very up and down career that even included a crash that left him paralyzed for a brief time back in 2007.
He was never able to lock down a national championship in the US, but not for lack of ability. In both ’09 and ’10, Christophe was a bike malfunction and a final round crash away from calling himself the back-to-back 250 AMA National Motocross Champion. As it is still, he will ride off into the sunset with the 2006 MX2 World Championship, the ’09 and ’10 Eastern Regional 250SX Supercross Championships and numerous MX2, MXGP and 250MX AMA National wins on his career resume.
We personally always got on well with Christophe and enjoyed interviewing him and covering his career since we opened back in 2011. The man was, simply put, an incredible talent. We wish him well in his post racing life and hope to see the Frenchman at future races being a spectator.
