Emmeline Ragot Announces Retirement

Aug 22, 2015
by Pinkbike Staff  
During the live feed today, an injured Emmeline Ragot spoke to Rob Warner and Claudio Calouri about her future in the sport and announced that she would be retiring. We spoke to her at the end of last year after it was announced she would go back to MS Mondraker upon leaving Lapierre and struggling to find sponsorship. We will be sad to see Emmeline leave professional competition but wish her the best in the future.

The 2015 leading ladies Ragot Atherton Nicole Carpenter and Hannah.

bigquotesNo, I'm not coming back, I'm retiring now. I think it's time for everything you know when you feel it's time to stop and I think my time has come. I've been riding for 13 years now and it was amazing you know, 60 world cup podiums and a lot of wins and injury too, but it's been amazing so you know now I don't know if I have a lot of prove. It's always been a big battle with Rachel and it was great because I remember when we first raced for the European Championship and from there we always fight together and battle, and it was good because we always have something to prove together, it's not like I'm sick of the battle but it's time now, I don't want to get injuries anymore. I love riding but I don't like to get injured.- Emmeline Ragot

Emmeline Ragot is 5 seconds of Rachel Atherton and will need to push hard if she wants to take the win on Sunday.

bigquotesI thought about this last year and this year and was kind of about to stop in Val di Sole anyway, but I was considering doing another year or two and then after I got the injury I was on the operating table and I was like I don't want to do this, I feel so sorry for my body and I was like I can't do this anymore. I'm really proud to be part of the mountain bike family and I will keep amazing memories and stuff. I think I had a great career, I'm kind of sad but I'm actually happy that I got to ride and have fun. I will not disappear completely, I'm looking to work for a team as a physio so I can look after the riders I guess, so if I can help them I will try to do my best and I will still be around so that could be amazing. - Emmeline Ragot

Not something you would see in every sport. Today s winner Emmeline Ragot who holds a physical therapy degree taping up her rival Tracey Hannah s separated shoulder just after the podium presentation.

MENTIONS: @Emmeline


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111 Comments
  • 327 2
 I loved watching you race, and you had such an amazing career. You are an inspiration to all riders. But crashing is not fun as you get older, and when it stops being fun, it's time to stop and change course. Wishing you well in your future endeavours, Emmeline.
  • 178 49
 ENDURO HERE SHE COMES
  • 15 2
 lol....
  • 23 5
 In all seriousness it would be really cool if she stayed on as a top level competitor in Enduro or another style of racing. There are lots of female riders who look up to these ladies and to have someone of her caliber leave due to past and future risk of injury is a major blow to the sport as a whole. Kids, boys or girls alike should know there are more options besides road, bmx, xc or DH, and understand the inherent risks of each.
  • 57 24
 haha so what are you saying people who race the Enduro format are not gnarly riders or don't get hurt haha How many Enduro races have you entered? haha keyboard warriors
  • 14 3
 As we all well know, plenty of racers in every variation of the sport get hurt or even killed, but lets be honest, DH riders are probably up at the top of the heap in terms of damage to the body. All I'm saying is that I'd hate to have a daughter who says "I dont want to ride mountain bike anymore because the better I get the more often I'll get hurt." Racing is obviously pushing past the limits, and not every woman (or man) has got to race in this sport, so I hope Ragot can still inspire female adrenaline junkies to stick with the sport, despite the risks.
  • 11 7
 my comment is for peanubuter really just trying to make a point. This is her retirement announcement I think a little respect due that's all. This is why I never write in the comment sections haha
  • 2 7
flag befablogsen (Aug 22, 2015 at 12:42) (Below Threshold)
 peanutbuter mothertrucker.
  • 3 3
 My apologies peanutbuter.
  • 6 0
 Definitely one of the best riders - smart to cut yourself out of the racing end if you e gone as far as she has. Those tracks are ruthless and the travel while being great is definitely taxing I'm sure. All the best to a legend in the sport of Women's World Cup DH - enjoy the trails at your own pace now and stay safe Emmeline Ragot.
  • 4 3
 Hope His Grace gives you good luck, Emmeline Ragot. Amen.
  • 2 1
 Noooooo, Emilie, I was chearing only for you since I came in mtb and started watching WC translations. You have totally broke my heart. Anyway I wish you good luck in any business you choose after rehabilitation, and I hope the will be a place for you to work it mountine bike community.
  • 5 0
 Ragot could be a physio, coach and a backup rider at the same time
  • 2 0
 About time someone came along to give T-Mo a challenge!
  • 9 0
 @PHeller I think Emmeline has the right to retire if she wants to, and shouldn't be pressured into still competing and racing at "the highest level" in Enduro or other type of cycling. By now she knows that she can't be crashing anymore, and it's her decision to stop and transition to other areas, not necessarily racing. Although she is a huge role model for many (myself included), she is making a wise choice that we need to recognize and respect, understanding that at this top level of racing athletes have to put their bodies (and lives) on the line to be competitive. I wish her the best of luck in her future pursuits, her dedication to riding will transfer over to what she decides to do next, and she will be successful. Heal well.
  • 2 1
 @larryssman7 , I certainly don't want any competitor to be pressured by the masses, even for noble reasons, into injury or killing themselves. I'm just bummed about the unfortunate risk of injury at all levels of downhill, and how that threatens the future of the sport, especially for women.
  • 72 0
 Noooooo Frown Now i need to find a new favorite girl rider...
  • 17 100
flag TheSwissRider (Aug 22, 2015 at 6:42) (Below Threshold)
 Rachel Atherton and that's it
  • 29 1
 Convince the girl you love to ride downhill !
  • 3 0
 Me too :-) Good luck Emmeline!
  • 7 0
 My wife was shocked. She liked watching her the most... Sad story, but we both respect this step. Stay healthy and good luck Emmeline. Smile
  • 65 0
 I think there was some F**K's missing from the transcription
  • 50 0
 All the very best to Emmiline such a great lady who has achieved so much in this great sport. Alway happy to have a chat to anyone and everyone. Met her last at this years BDS Llangollen and she made my daughters day by stopping to talk All the best for the future and hope to see you around
  • 28 2
 You were good kid, real good. You'll be missed from competion, but a welcome addition to ANY team as a physio. Because you've been their, you literally have the shirt to prove it. So it's goodbye and hello all at the same time. Happy days, and goodluck to you with whatever you choose to do.
  • 18 0
 Dear Emily...i just left val di sole and heard your speech. You for me is one of the best,exciting,motivated and full on female rider...always a threat on the top step. I feel priveleged that i get to see you the second time. Hopefully it wont be the last. You proved you are indeed a top racer but most of all...you shared your talent for us to enjoy and be inspired. I wish you all the best
  • 16 0
 She is such an exciting rider to watch. Tough as nails too: vimeo.com/45207348

Pinkbike, how about a tribute store to her career?
  • 13 0
 Emmeline had the spirit on the bike of Missy Giove, and there are few that ride with that-its a win at all costs style, full throttle, it's inspiring to watch even if scary sometimes. She will be missed, friendly face in the pits and a beast on the track. Congrats on a fantastic career.
  • 15 0
 I fucking love the way she says fuck!
  • 5 1
 I loved the way it gave RB an awkward silence yet Claudio didn't flinch, very acceptable to him it seemed. RB is a great commentator and Claudio is just as good
  • 2 0
 I think Rob Warner is plenty used to swearing.
  • 11 0
 Emmeline's race runs always had me sitting on the edge of my seat! Such a thrill to watch. No question my favorite rider of the ladies. All the best to you in future endeavors. Certain you will be great.
  • 11 0
 The transcription above says 16 podium finishes, but I'm pretty sure she said 60. I've definitely seen more than 16 in just the last few years!
  • 11 0
 you have all our respect, wish you the best in your future!!!
  • 7 0
 One of the few women racers on the WC circuit that was never afraid to leave her comfort zone - death or glory as they say...she was the epitome of it! Good on her to be able to know when it's time. She's taken a lot of punishment over the years, so it's only fitting that she pursues a career in physio. Best of luck for your future, Emmeline!!!
  • 9 0
 It might be a bit worrying for the team riders if she ends up as their physio.

Knowing the physio can probably smoke you down the track must be off putting Smile
  • 5 0
 You should always goo with what you feel, if you feel its time to stop then it's probably the best decision! You are a true inspiration to every one to keep fighting even though you had some set backs with mechanical and injuries. You truly one of the greatest riders i seen and still are! Nice to hear that you want to help other people, a true sign of sportsmanship!
  • 5 0
 Sometimes you have to follow what your body tells ya. As you get older, you don't just bounce back, shit takes longer to heal, and even weather change can bring about aches from old injuries. her achievements speaks for itself, there is nothing for her to prove.
  • 5 0
 Emmeline...what a great career you had! Amazing rider and an inspiration to many. I'm glad you're following you're heart though. You were one of the main people that inspired me to get into DH. Thank you!
  • 4 0
 One of the reasons I watched the sport. Good to know she will be moving on to something still within the industry. I'm glad the sport is going far enough to provide for this kind of employment. Also, I always wished physio people knew more about injuries. They tell you how its going to heal and hurt, but most of them have never experienced it. She will be a kick ass physical therapist. Thanks for making this sport so exciting to watch. Cheers Ragot!
  • 5 0
 Ragot- you inspired so many men and women with your riding. It was a def pleasure seeing you in the start gates over those many years, freecaster era to now, you were always one to watch. Heal up quick!
  • 7 0
 Your beautiful Emmeline! You will be missed!
  • 7 0
 We will miss your lovely smile and badass riding.
  • 4 1
 13 years of racing will have a huge impact (pun intended) on how your body holds out. 16 World cup podium finishes.! That's something to put in the resume.
I hope Emmiline stays in the sport for fun and finds a suitable career out side of racing.
  • 7 0
 All the best wishes Emmeline, you will always be the #1 in my heart!!
  • 3 0
 Respect. Seems like a classy lady who is at peace with her decision. Gotta agree its time to stop racing if you are starting to doubt and fearing injury. I hurt just watching her race! Hard for us laymen to appreciate the beating they must take. Good luck to her whatever she decides to do - obviously a winner.
  • 4 2
 why are there so many no-name dudes with sponsors, no-name dude's brother's riding their brother's sponsorship, all with worse scores than women like Ragot, but women like Ragot struggle to find one? and then a bunch nameless, non-industry dude's criticize her when she decides to knock it off?
  • 7 4
 these are the same reasons I stopped riding downhill, I couldn't stand hospital visits anymore! Something says me that we'll see her as a 'doctor' in the Commencal frenchy team !! Smile

All the best for your futur Emmeline !!
  • 10 2
 yeah, same reason, 16WC podium, more than 10y of racing, and you want to be pregnant one day?...
  • 4 2
 hahahah you had me on this one
  • 1 1
 Lmao
  • 2 0
 @emmeline, such a good heartfelt descision you have made. A broken body is not worth the glory. But, we all will miss you and are damn pissed that you have left us without a serious competitor to live up to the speed of Rachel. You have shown us what it's like to be the fastest on the planet. We are selfishly sad you won't be nipping at her heals and overtaking her cred's from here on out. We all love you, but are left with sadness...
  • 2 0
 Her talent was inspiring, her dedication a norm to follow, and her kindness and care towards her fellow riders something we should all try to emulate. She was my favorite.
C'est une triste nouvelle. Bonne continuation Émmeline.
  • 3 0
 its gonna be strange for the female rider of whatever team she does physio for, knowing the physio lady could crush your times in her sleep
  • 3 2
 I respect this person so much! She is awesome. It's weird, curious how many of the people who disrespect her decision have been racing the WC circuit for a decade with multiple overall titles... kind of seems like a lot of baseless and ignorant criticism being tossed her way!
  • 4 0
 Sad news, she's a superb rider and competitor and one of the very few who could consistently mix it at the very top.
  • 3 0
 It's a good call, if she herself believes it is right. Best of luck to her. I'm sure she will stick around as an important staff member of some team.
  • 3 0
 I wish her the best of the luck, it was a joy watching her race and put it all out there on the course everytime. Hopefully she inspired a new generation of women riders.
  • 4 0
 Maybe team Atherton Racing can hire her as a physio, training partner and coach?
  • 2 0
 Omg! When I heard it, I was so sad :-(
We're going to miss you Emmeline ♡ Hope to see you again in the MTB world just for funnot competition ☺
  • 2 0
 She would be a perfect candidate rider for course preview just like Claudio from redbull. Watch out Claudio! Ragot is coming to replace hehehe
  • 3 0
 My favourite female racer , so aggressive and pinned a joy to watch, will miss watching her battle the other ladies.
  • 2 0
 Good Luck Emmiline!!! You will always be a top class champion!! Thank you for all the great races. I will miss cheering for you.
  • 3 0
 Thats a real shame. Love her riding style and hapiness. Hope she came back. If she dont she did the job realy well done
  • 3 0
 Fastest Physio on 2 wheels?
  • 2 0
 Sad to see, I always found her to be pretty cute. Yeah... and all that rad cycling stuff too.
  • 4 0
 It's a sad news ;(
  • 2 0
 Frown
  • 4 0
 Great rider!
  • 5 2
 Tu vas nous manquer Emmeline ????
  • 2 0
 Always loved watching you race Emmeline. Best of luck to you in the future!
  • 2 0
 Class & grace. Best wishes with your future endeavors, Emmeline! Thanks for all those years of amazing runs!
  • 3 0
 Speechless! Feels like my friend just died. I already miss you.
  • 2 0
 Thanks Emmeline, so many exciting race runs and a very long and distinguished career. Good luck with whatever you do next!
  • 2 0
 Thank you for Emmeline for being an amazing racer for us to watch. Good luck for your future, all the best.
  • 3 0
 Sad news to me! Emmeline is an incredible rider! Frown
  • 2 0
 gonna miss her racing, but wish her all the best for all future endeavours, and hope to see her race again in the future.
  • 2 0
 Sooner or later you realize the egg n spoon race just isn't worth beating yourself up about.
  • 2 0
 Good Luck to You Em. Your riding is amazing and inspiring. Now go have fun!
  • 3 0
 Best of luck from another physio!!
  • 2 0
 Man what is she like 27 or 28 years old, after any earnie two she'll be back in some form of competition
  • 3 1
 Myriam nicole and Manon better step up next year otherwise it wouldnt be a competition anymore
  • 2 0
 Bon vent belle Emmeline, ta grâce sur vélo et ton beau sourire va nous manquer à chaque course
  • 3 0
 gave up way too soon.....
  • 3 1
 How about she slows down a little bit? Nobody else seems to get injured constantly like that.
  • 2 0
 Good on her, she's had a good career, sometimes it's better to quit while you're ahead!
  • 3 1
 so i guess it will be another unstoppable year in 2016 for Rachel....
  • 8 0
 I don't know. Seagrave is on a serious upswing and is still very young. She's going to be a threat in the coming years. Carpenter will surely want to improve on this season - not that it was a total bust by most people's standards, but she had the breakout season a year prior.

*fingers crossed*
  • 22 3
 If other women had the same level of support that Rachel does (which is well deserved, of course), I think the competition and racing would be much closer. Look at the opening statement to this article: "[Ragot] struggling to find sponsorship". If Emmeline, arguably one of the most exciting racers in the current women's field, has trouble securing support, then it's not a big leap to assume the other women must have an even more difficult time. Step up the support, MTB industry, and women's racing will rise to the challenge.

All the best Emmeline, and good luck in your physio career!
  • 4 2
 marketers and promoters must have figured out there's no financial return otherwise they would be throwing money at women's DH. might as well pile cash in a heap and burn it. it's not a charity, why would they support something that's not commercially viable?
  • 4 2
 agreed - there is still a lot of sexism in the industry.
  • 2 0
 You'll always have mt biking, racing or not.
  • 2 0
 What a legend, we will miss you.
  • 2 0
 Too bad for us! She was great to watch! Great natural fearless style
  • 2 0
 awwww Emmeline noooooo Frown
  • 2 0
 good luck with everything Emmeline Big Grin it's been great watching you race !
  • 2 0
 Oh, what can I say??
....
Stay on your bike Emmeline!!! Smile
  • 2 0
 ahh she could be my physio anytime
  • 2 1
 bummer.
  • 2 2
 She will be back folks, those teary eyes mean business.
  • 3 3
 whaat???
  • 1 1
 ✋????
  • 2 4
 I'll get over it
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