The Mercedes-Benz World Cup season opener came to a dramatic end. In a tight sprint finish the elite World Champion got beaten by the U23 World Champion Samuel Gaze.
Stellenbosch, South Africa. The first round of the Mercedes-Benz World Cup proofed that the XC community may expect an exciting season. For the first time since September 2016, Nino Schurter had to leave a World Cup victory to someone else. Someone who sure will be one of N1NO’s big contenders in the time to come. Sam Gaze, two times U23 World Champion from New Zeeland, has the future ahead of him. Sam’s victory over Nino though could not be any tighter and with a bit more luck for Nino it could have gone the other way round.
The World Cup in Stellenbosch offered a great show, amazing trails, and tough racing.
Photography: Greg Beadle & Jochen Haar
99 riders out of 26 nations found superb conditions to start the World Cup. A modern and technical course was exciting for riders and athletes. The only thing that caused problems was the superdy conditions with lots of dust, which made it difficult for the riders with a bad start. Except Sam Gaze and Cyclo-Cross star Mathieu van der Pool, the favorits lined up at the front. Surprisingly fast the last named riders made it up to the lead group in no time.
Crazy crowds at the World Cup in South Africa- N1NO fans can be found everywhere, especially in Nino’s second home, Stellenbosch.
Throughout the whole race, Nino Schurter and Sam Gaze looked very strong. Van der Poel payed a bit for his effort closing the gap, but was never too far behind the leaders. Maxime Marotte of France was on and off the tail of the two leading guys, fighting hard.
It was mainly Nr.1 Schurter who set the pace to get rid of Marotte and the rest of the contenders, while Gaze as the younger one of the two World Champions, just focused to hang on Nino’s wheel.
The way the race evolved it was somehow clear the winner would have to be either Schurter or Gaze.
Even N1NO attacked several times to get rid of Sam, he couldn’t get time in between his rival. Kiwi Gaze not shy, attacked the Nr.1 a quarter of a lap to go and protected his leading position onto the finish straight. 50 meters to go, just when N1NO came around Gaze in the sprint, Nino slipped off of his left pedal, which put him out of chance to win.
Even so Nino did not come out as the winner, he showed he still is the boss, also in 2018. For the spectators and the sport in general, this outcome is refreshing and makes everybody excited for the races to come.
from left to right: 4. Matthieu van der Poel (NED)- 2. Nino Schurter (SWI)-1.Sam Gaze (NZL)-3.Maxime Marotte (FRA)- 5. Titouan Garrod (FRA)
Prior to the race N1NO sure had Matthieu van der Poel and Same Gaze on the list. The way Sam Gaze was riding somehow still surprised the Olympic Champion.
Sam had not the best starting position and still made it to the front of the race in no time. Latest than I knew it’s going to be a tough one against this talented rider. Even I felt strong and tried several times to drop him, Sam was racing at a very high level and showed his teeth all race long. If it comes down to a sprint finish small things make a difference. Just when I thought I had him, I unclicked from my pedal and the win slipped away. I’m a bit disappointed to lose a World Cup this way but give all my respect to the winner for such a superb performance. He deserves the win.
The other good news come from the youngest team member of SCOTT-SRAM, Andri Frischknecht. Starting out of 39th position, not even having a very good start, he fighted his way trough the field and moved up steady all the way to 10th place. This result of the 23 year old is by far his best result ever. His father and team manager Thomas Frischknecht is proud of him showing proof he earns his spot on the team not because of his name, but showing great talent for the future.
This was indeed an awesome race for me that went nearly perfect. I felt very strong today and paced myself well. Only after I saw I can make it into the top 10 I went at my limit. I’m stoked about this great start into the season. Just getting hungry for more!
Unfortunately not so great news are coming from Matthias Stirnemann and Michiel van der Heijden. Both experienced a bad day finishing under expectations in 49th and 54th.
New Team Imagery of SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing
Along with the first World Cup, SCOTT-SRAM would like to share new imagery and portraits. Please click here to access the folder. This will be updated next week.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|