Jean Michel Bayle was one of the most successful riders of his era, achieving success at the highest levels in both motocross and road racing. After winning FIM 125cc motocross world championship in 1988 and the 250cc motocross world championship in 1999, he entered the 250cc road racing World Championship with the Aprilia factory team for the 1994 season, moving up to the 500cc class riding for Kenny Roberts-Yamaha. He scored points twice in 1999 and managed two poles in the 500cc division but never managed to finish on the podium. Bayle suffered serious injuries during the 2002 MotoGP season, and after only two starts with the Yamaha team, retired from road racing.