Nove Mesto, CZ Republic, May 27th. N1NO Schurter has claimed the 28th World Cup victory of his career. In a dramatic race on his favourite XC course in Nove Mesto, the Olympic Champion outsprinted Anton Cooper (NZ) and once more proved to still be the best and most consistent rider in Cross-Country racing.
Last year it was the mission of #theperfectseason. This year N1NO seemed he’s on the hunt for #theperfectrace. He might have found it in Nove Mesto at his all time favorite race track in a super thrilling race that showed an outcome that can’t be beaten. The frenetic crowd saw a long sprint finish between New Zeeland’s youngster Anton Cooper and World Champion Schurter. A few millimeters made the difference with a better end for Schurter, who, when crossing the line, was not sure if it was enough for the win. Not only he won #theperfectrace, he also got back his lead in the World Cup overall.
The 2018 World Cup season continues to be one of the best we have ever seen. Despite facing tough competition from the beginning, it was N1NO who mostly dictated the rhythm throughout the race. He was the one who dominated the lead of the peloton, from the beginning through the end. N1NO’s most named rivals- Stellenbosch winner Sam Gaze, Stephane Tempier, and Mathieu van der Poel – all went out of the race or fell back at an early status of the race. Gaze crashed and faced a flat; Tempier had a mechanical, too; lastly van der Poel crashed in the third lap and hurt himself falling on his arm.
Photos: Ego-Promotion, Michal Cerveny & Jan Brychta
Photos: Ego-Promotion, Michal Cerveny & Jan Brychta
The rest of the SCOTT-SRAM boys all started next to each other in the positions 49-50-51. Both Andri Frischknecht and Matthias Stirnemann had a great start moving them up to top 20. Unfortunately, Matthias suffered a flat tire early in the race and dropped back a lot, before he made up 20 positions again to finish in 39th. Michiel van der Heyden again was not riding at his best coming in 64th. Unlike in Albstadt, Andri was able to defend his good start and with a very strong last lap he moved himself up to great 12th place. Considering his knee injury he went through, this is a very respectful performance which leaves high hopes for the races to come.
The Short Track Race- After a Crash from Last to Third
The 2nd edition of the new Short Track format, called XCC, again saw spectacular action and dramatic racing. N1NO Schurter went down hard but made his way back from last to third position.
He lost the sprint against his hottest rivals Sam Gaze and Matthieu van der Poel. Only the the Top 16 make it in the first two start rows in the grit for the XC race that’s why a good result is key. N1NO had to leave his World Cup lead to Matthieu van der Poel – the already third leader in only three races. That was the status on Friday.
Today N1NO is the leader again.
The Winner’s bike – Spark 900 RC with the new Syncros Fraser iC SL
Nove Mesto’s course is a very technical one with a lot of short, steep climbs, covered with roots- perfect for a 100% race-dedicated full suspension bike. N1NO and the entire team road the SCOTT Spark 900 RC World Cup.
Find more Specs and equipment here.
N1NO Schurter rode Syncros’ new Fraser iC SL Special Edition cockpit for the first time in a competition at the Nove Mesto World Cup. The Fraser iC SL is a super-light and ultra-stiff Stem-Handlebar combo which weighs in at only 220g.
