Lenzerheide, Switzerland. There’s no other mountain biker like him. 4795 days after his first ever World Cup win in Dalby Forest, UK in 2010, N1NO Schurter, the Greatest MTB athlete of all time makes history with a World record-breaking 34th World Cup win on home-soil in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
As the crowds gathered across the mountain resort, the atmosphere was electric. The chants of “NINO…! NINO…!” echoed throughout the valley in anticipation of seeing the home-town hero race on this iconic track. Lenzerheide, home and training ground of Nino Schurter, is also part of Nino’s greatest successes. Consecutive World Cup wins in 2016 and 2017, then crowned World Champion across the same line in 2018. Could N1NO Schurter write the perfect fairytale and also break the World Record here, at home in Lenzerheide?
Of course. The Greatest Of All Time just got even greater, surpassing Julien Absalon and setting a new benchmark that will likely last forever.
On Sunday, N1NO Schurter crossed the line in front of a phenomenal home crowd to celebrate one of his biggest successes to take his record-breaking 34th World Cup win.
With the 34th win within reach, N1NO desperately wanted to bring it home in front of his fans in Lenzerheide. When a crash near the finish stole his chances in 2022, Nino was hugely disappointed. With the 2023 World Cup in Lenzerheide being the last for the coming years, N1NO arrived on the start line full of emotions, for what he called “my last dance in Lenzerheide!”. It was time to give it his all.
The Race
Due to a small crash in the XCC, N1NO started in the second row, but this wasn’t enough to hold him back. Taking the bull by the horns, N1NO immediately made up for the handicap with a large leading group that became gradually smalled with the tightening of the pace. After the first lap, around ten riders remained within striking distance of the lead, including Matthias Flückiger, Jordan Sarou, Braidot and Vital Albin.
With just three laps to go, N1NO once again forced the pace, going so hard that not one of his contenders was able to follow. Behind, Frenchman Jordan Sarrou was caught up in a tangle with Italian Daniele Braidot, clearing the way for Schurter’s triumphant ride. N1NO didn’t sit up for a second, pushing his lead right through the end, rolling across the line with enough time to celebrate his unforgettable success. Nino Schurter wins his 34th World Cup, surpassing Julien Absalon in the record books and now holding the record for the most cross-country World Cup victories ever one by a single rider.
Behind Schurter, Jordan Sarrou seemed for a long time to be the rider who would certainly take second place. In the last lap however, the Frenchman lost his strength and Alan Hatherly and Thomas Griot were able to catch up. In the final meters, Hatherly finally managed to push past the two Frenchmen and take second place. Jordan Sarrou crossed the finish line just ahead of Thomas Griot and climbed onto the podium in third place. Spain’s David Valero crossed the finish line in fifth place.
Imagery: Remi Fabregue
I’m overwhelmed and emotionally touched of what was going on out there. This day I will never forget!.”
Kate Courtney
No doubt Kate had better races in Lenzerheide. She started fast, maybe too fast. After sitting in the top ten early in the race she faded mid-way through the race. A gnarly crash in the last lap pushed her out of the top 20, finishing 21st.
Andri Frischknecht
Also Andri Frischknecht did not have the legs he was hoping for. He finished in a disappointing 42nd.
N1NO’s SCOTT Spark RC
The Spark RC, bike of choice for 34-time World Cup winner Nino Schurter. Since the introduction of this prestigious model, Nino has won victory after victory on it and has contributed significantly to every generation of the Spark RC platform. Thanks to Nino Schurter, the Spark is the most successful bike in the Mountain Bike World Cup. Proof of work: 34 World Cup Victories!
This Spark RC comes with a very special setup featuring all-new SRAM XX Eagle AXS Drivetrain, the new wider Syncros Silverton SL (30mm) carbon wheels, Fraser iC SL combo, and even a lighter version of his Tofino saddle saving 50g.
