Candide Thovex, Quiksilver : c'est fini

Candide Thovex révèle ce soir que sa collaboration historique avec Quiksilver appartient désormais à l'histoire. Comme le veut la formule consacrée, le skieur de la Clusaz va  "poursuivre de nouvelles aventures". 

Car si Candide a multiplié les sponsors coté ski, sa relation avec Quiksilver aura été exclusive, des début de sa carrière en 1997 jusqu'à ce jour, soit 19 ans, ce qui est suffisamment rare dans l'industrie pour être souligné. 

Son départ suit celui de Kelly Slater en 2014, alors que Quiksilver traverse un mauvaise passe depuis de nombreuses années, la branche américaine de la société ayant déposé le bilan l'automne passé. Difficultés qui auront sans doute entamé fortement sa capacité à financer les contrats d'athlètes aussi emblématiques que Candide, athlètes  qui ont pourtant contribué à la construction de l'image de la marque.

La question sur toutes les lèvres est désormais de savoir quelles sont ces nouvelles aventures qui attendent Candide Thovex : simple "transfert" (et dans ce cas chez qui?) ou lancement de marque?

Usually not my style to write long texts, but this time, it is especially needed. 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. 

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. etc. I have met many exceptional individuals and been on the most amazing trips around the world. 

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.