February 7, 2007 — After weeks of rumours, 10-time World Champion Nicolas Vouilloz has officially announced his return to DH mountain biking. The Frenchman retired in 2002 and spent his time rally car racing.

Vouilloz told BIKE that he won’t be touring the entire World Cup circuit, but plans to hit up Champéry, Switzerland, June 9-10, Schladming, Austria, July 7-8 and maybe the series finale in Maribor, Slovenia, September 15-16.

The DH phenom credits Canadian MTB paradise Whistler, B.C. for his return to the start gate. BIKE reports Vouilloz decided to go back to racing after ripping up the Whistler Bike Park last fall.

Vouilloz still plans to rally car race and has recently signed a deal with the French car manufacturer Peugeot to race in the International Rally Challenge circuit.