Pal Arinsal, Andorra. It’s fair to say all riders experienced fairly extreme conditions this weekend in Andorra. Not only did the Pal Arinsal World Cup bring the challenge of being at 2000m elevation and having a very technical and demanding track, but the course was also badly hit by the storms that moved across Europe on Sunday. High winds, heavy rain and super low temperatures put the pressure on everyone. Whilst we as a team were well-prepared, the conditions brought challenges for staff and athletes, and everyone dug deep to bring their A-Game to the race track despite the weather.
With grit and determination, the team brought home some admirable results this weekend. Even if there were no podiums or wins, each rider gave it their all in conditions that they were not suited to, resulting in a Top 10 finish for Kate Courtney, a return race to be proud of for Filippo Colombo on the big stage, and another race in the Overall Leader’s jersey for N1NO Schurter.
N1NO opened up the weekend with one of his best ever Short Track races on Friday, finishing in 2nd Place and putting himself at the front of the starting grid for the XCO. Once lining up for Sunday’s race, the storm had hit in full force, and N1NO faced conditions that absolutely didn’t suit him. But the Greatest Of All Time is a fighter.
With a good start, Nino showed the form we’ve been seeing all season, holding his own amongst the top riders. An unfortunate rear flat on Lap 2 however forced Nino off-course and into the tech zone where he re-entered the race in 17th. Fighting tricky, wet conditions to get back amongst the action, Nino eventually finished in P12. It was an unlucky result, however having gained an impressive number of places on his chase back from the tech zone, Nino importantly keeps hold of the World Cup Overall Lead.
Nino Schurter
Overall World Cup Leader
SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing
While Kate’s weekend started with a solid Short Track race, it was Sunday’s XCO where she really shined. The conditions in Andorra were not suited to Kate, with difficult, slippy and technical sections, combined with cold and wet weather that she’s not as used to compared to European riders.
However, she came to the race with her head in the game, doing what Kate does best – riding with grit and determination through every lap. Kate’s strong attitude and consistency in training paid dividends in Andorra with a superb Top 10 finish – her second of the season.
N1NO’s SCOTT Spark RC
For the World Cup overall leader Nino Schurter, his all-new Spark RC in the unique Endorphin Special Edition design ticks all the boxes! Some of the finest parts available, well balanced with an eye for details.
This Spark RC comes with a very special setup featuring all-new SRAM XX Eagle AXS Drivetrain, the Syncros Silverton SL (30mm) carbon wheels, Fraser iC SL combo, and even a lighter version of his Tofino saddle saving 50g.