One of the greatest skiers of all time, Candide Thovex, has decided to leave long-time sponsor Quicksilver for new opportunities.
The 34-year-old skier from Annecy, France, well-known as of late for his viral One of Those Days videos, announced the news on Facebook and Instagram earlier today.
“Usually not my style to write long texts, but this time, it is especially needed,” he explained. “After 19 years of collaboration with Quiksilver, I’ve decided to pursue new adventures. It has been a tough decision to make but changes are always good and I follow my instincts.”
Thovex focused much of the post on Quiksilver’s evolution over the years, explaining how the brand helped him bring skiing into the limelight since joining the team at age 15, 19 years ago.
“In 1997, Quik was a surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding brand. Skiing was mainly perceived as old-fashioned. Jasper Sanders, who was team manager back then, believed in what I was doing and got the company to support me. I was only 15. They let me express my vision of skiing and always helped me with my projects: the contests, the Rastafarides, the Invitationals, Candide Kamera, Few Words, One Of Those days, etc.”
He then finished the post by thanking some of the many people who have made his journey with Quiksilver a worthwhile one.
“I have met many exceptional individuals and been on the most amazing trips around the world,” he wrote. “There are lots of people I would like to thank: Jeff Hakman, Maritxu Darrigrand, Pierre Agnes, Nicolas Foulet, Mathieu Darrigrand, Nicolas Dazet, Francois Latterrade and many, many more. The list is too long. Quiksilver was there in the good moments and the bad, my injuries, when I blew my knees, when I broke my back, knowing that I might never be able to ski again. They kept giving me support. They looked after me like family. Thank you for everything, Quiksilver.”
What’s next for Candide is yet to be determined. But purely based off his past—full of success and innovation—we’re sure it will be something great.
