Pinturault to Retire After 2025-26 World Cup Season

French alpine skier Alexis Pinturault, one of the most decorated athletes in the sport's history, announced on Saturday that he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 World Cup season, with his final race set for March 24 in the giant slalom at the finals in Hafjell, Norway.

The 34-year-old from Courchevel, France, who holds dual French-Norwegian citizenship, shared the news via social media, reflecting on a career that began with his World Cup debut in 2009, just before his 18th birthday. Pinturault captured his first podium finish in 2011 and went on to become France's most successful male skier on the circuit, securing 34 victories, 77 podiums and 355 starts. His triumphs include the 2021 overall World Cup title, a giant slalom discipline globe and four alpine combined globes. At major championships, he earned three Olympic medals: a silver in the combined event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and bronzes in giant slalom at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Olympics. He also won three World Championship golds, including the men's combined in 2019 and 2023, along with a team event gold in 2017, contributing to a total of eight world championship medals.

Pinturault's versatility defined his...