facebook pixel

In one of the tightest battles at World Championships ever, Nino Schurter claims his 6th World Champion title. After winning all three big titles this season, Nino truly may call himself a “Triple Crown Champion” now.

Cairns, Australia. N1NO records, released a new 2017 album: “the complete perfect season”. Winner of the Cape Epic- winner of the Swiss nationals- winner of 6 out of 6 World Cup races and now, winner of the World Championships. We all thought it was not possible to top last years season with an Olympic- and World Champion title. Nino proved us wrong…It possibly can’t get any better than this.

The heat is on. Nr. 1 Nino Schurter in the center at the start

Dry and dusty it was. Much more of a challenge to the athletes than the humidity and heat itself. With all the dust vision was crucual for those not riding in front. Therefore the start was more important than ever. Experienced Schurter made sure he stayed at front right from the beginning. So did his long time competitor Jaroslav Kulhavy. The first three laps the Olympic Champion of 2012 set a pace that was hard at the limit for Schurter to follow.

Crazy dusty in the rainforest of Cairns

It was Kulhavy exploding the four men lead group which also contained French Marotte and Brazilian Avanchini. While last two dropped back during the race, Half way trough Kulhavy slowed down a bit. As a result of this Swiss Thomas Litscher bridged up to Kulhavy and Schurter. The 2011 U23 World Champion Litscher surprised all, but himself the most.

The race track in Cairns is asking a lot of the athletes. Especially on the difficult descents

Exciting finale

The two Swiss and Kulhavy went into last lap together. Nino knew he needed to go into the last descent in first position. Problem: there was no room to pass on the uphill. Nino started to get nervous, even produced a rare mistake where he had to put his foot down. Nino was not Nino if at the end he still found a way to get around Kulhavy. With a 4 second advantage N1NO was shooting down to the finish line to defend his No.1 title.

Pressure release! Nino Schurter crossing the line after a tough battle

It is an amazing series of races he won this season. Something that will be hard to repeat in the future. Asked what will be next the regaining World Champion answers: “First I enjoy the moment of right now. It was the hardest battle of this years season and I’m just happy I did it again. It really means a lot to me to continue wearing the World Champion jersey next year. One goal for the future is set: Winning the World Champion title at my home in Switzerland is what I’m dreaming of.”

“First I enjoy the moment of right now. It was the hardest battle of this years season and I’m just happy I did it again. It really means a lot to me to continue wearing the World Champion jersey next year. One goal for the future is set: Winning the World Champion title at my home in Switzerland is what I’m dreaming of.”

Nino Schurter
Olympic Champion
SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing

At the finish line, 7 seconds made the difference between Nino Schurter and Jaroslav Kulhavy. This was the second closest finish of all times. 2009 in Canberra- also in Australia- the same Nino Schurter beat the dominator at the time Julien Absalon by less than 7 seconds.
Other side note: 21 years later Nino Schurter claims the title at the same venue his SCOTT-SRAM team manager Thomas Frischknecht won the XC worlds 1996.

left: N1NO at the finish exhausted for a good reason
right: another one in the collection
Czech Jaroslav Kulhavy 2nd- N1NO 1st- Swiss Thomas Litscher 3rd

Other great news came form our second SCOTT-SRAM pilot in the race, Dutch Champion Michiel van der Heijden. After a very good start that moved him into 10th position he was racing at a new level. His 14th place finish was the very best performance he did this season, showing what talent there is in the Dutch kid.

“Until today, I never found the formula to start fast enough without killing myself. Today I did, from that point on it was so much easier to fight than if it was in the back for 40th place. I’m stocked about having my best result at the biggest event of the year!”

“Until today, I never found the formula to start fast enough without killing myself. Today I did, from that point on it was so much easier to fight than if it was in the back for 40th place. I’m stocked about having my best result at the biggest event of the year!”

Michiel van der Heijden
Dutch Champion
SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing

Nino Schurter’s SCOTT Spark RC 900 World Cup for Cairns

Nino Schurter’s rocket for Cairns seems to be ready to bite.
Photos: ©Sven Martin.

Nino Schurter uses the multiple title and media award winning Spark 900. Nino chose the 100% race dedicated RC 900 World Cup version. Its frame is the lightest full suspension race bike to date and packed with top-of-the-line specs. In Cairns, Nino Schurter will race a very special “Aussi Edition”. Check out the Specs of Nino’s bike here.

Access and download more detail shots from the frame build here.

Nino Spark RC 900 WC Replica for SCOTT’s 2018 Line-Up

Due to the overwhelming success of SCOTT’s race-dedicated RC collection of bikes, SCOTT adds a Nino replica Spark to its line-up for 2018.

Check it out here.