Thibau Pinot announces retirement at the end of 2023 season - "I want to finish on a high"

Thibaut Pinot has been over the last decade one of the peloton's most popular riders and he has announced the end of his career, which will take place at the end of the 2023 season.

"It's a decision that I've thought about over the past few years," Pinot said in a press release. “I am looking forward to the new things I can experience after my career, but I also want to race for one more year." A pro since 2010, Pinot has raced his whole career with Groupama - FDJ, who have welcomed the decision.

Pinot, besides being a very popular rider internationally, has in his palmarès victories at Il Lombardia aswell as all three Grand Tours. For many years he looked to be France's next Grand Tour winner, and his passionate attempts at those objectives - aswell as several heartbreaking moments - have seen him gather a large fan base.

"I have rarely been so motivated before a season and I want to finish on a high. I am doing everything I can to achieve the best possible results and will continue to do so," Pinot continued. Last year he's won stages at the Tour of the Alps and Tour de Suisse, and this final year will see Pinot race the Giro d'Italia as his main objective.

“I almost expected it," Marc Madiot, team manager, commented. "You can say it's the right time, or not, but it's his choice. I've experienced it myself."

"I know what top sport is, and what it's like when your body and mind say at the same time: it's time. Thibaut has made a successful comeback and I am sure he will have a successful conclusion," he concluded.