Nove Město, Czech Republic. The World Cup in Nove Město has been a classic in the MTB scene since 2009, with iconic climbs and technical descents making it an athlete favourite on the race calendar. Nove Město is also a race that brings many good memories for the SCOTT-SRAM team, as it is where many podium finishes, and Nino’s 2016 World Championship title, have been celebrated in recent years.
This weekend in Nove Město, the MTB World Series entered its third World Cup round. The iconic Czech course welcomed a field packed with all the top riders, as this also marked the last race to earn all-important points for Olympic qualification.
The SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team put down consistent results across the board, with Nino Schurter back on the podium in P2, and the team winning Team of the Day in the Men’s category. With a powerful performance, Nino Schurter also earned his spot for the Paris Olympics, making him one of the few in history to compete at 5 Olympic Games. Filippo Colombo did not get selected by Swiss Olympic for Paris, despite great results throughout the selection period.
The writing was on the wall however, when Tom Pidcock launched a huge attack in Lap 3. Only Nino Schurter and Victor Koretzky could follow, before Schurter and Pidcock eventually dropped Koretzky, making it a two horse race to the finish. Attack after attack, Pidcock was putting N1NO deep into the hurtbox, but he still hung on. Eventually the elastic snapped and he had no choice but to let Pidcock go. Riding his own race until the very end, N1NO finished in a fantastic 2nd place, 12 seconds ahead of Marcel Guerrini in third. While Pidcock may have been unbeatable on the day, Nino certainly declared himself back at the level of racing he wanted to be in Brazil.
Nove Město held extra significance this weekend, as it was the last opportunity for riders to earn their spot for the Paris Olympic Games. A strong performance saw Nino Schurter secure his ticket to Paris with the Swiss team, guaranteeing that he’ll be racing at his 5th Olympic Games, something that only a handful of athletes in history can claim.
Team of the Day in the Men’s category
Perhaps the most honourable accolade of all, SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team was awarded Team of the Day in the Men’s category in Nove Město. Thomas Frischknecht, Team Director said: “An honour the team takes thanks to consistently strong race results from all the guys, but that shows the effort of everyone behind the scenes too. When this team wins, we deserve it, and when we lose, we learn. Today, the whole team earned it!”
Filippo Colombo
With all eyes on a ticket to the Paris Olympics, Filippo Colombo was under huge pressure in Nove Město as the 26 year old looked to underline his exceptional form and secure one of the two spots for Switzerland at the Games. Coming off back-to-back podiums in Brazil, and a 5th place in Saturday’s XCC, Filippo was on the front row for the start of the XCO and ready to fight for a podium hat-trick.
Fighting for top positions in the race alongside his team mate Nino Schurter, Filippo held his spot at the front of the pack for the first few laps. He was however left behind following Pidcock’s huge attack in Lap 3, and, after suffering an unfortunate flat tyre in the penultimate lap, crossed the line in P18. Even if not the result Filippo was capable of, all eyes are now on the next round in Val di Sole.
Kate Courtney
After a hard fight in the XCC, Kate was ready for action in Sunday’s XCO. She kept her form throughout the whole race and while she didn’t quite make it into the battle for top spots, a P14 finish shows Kate finding her sparkle.
Andri Frischknecht
While Andri achieved a 33rd place at the first World Cup race in Brazil, he rode a brilliant race starting in P59, ending up in 22nd now in Nove Město, showing a great progression towards his target form. A sign of more to come!
SCOTT Spark RC World Cup
Kate, Nino, Filippo and Andri are racing the SCOTT Spark RC World Cup in a special SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team Edition featuring the latest parts from ROCKSHOX, SRAM, SYNCROS and MAXXIS making this the ultimate Cross-Country racebike of all racebikes.
