Rapperswil, Switzerland. The SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team today makes two big announcements:
Fabio Püntener is welcomed as the newest addition to the team. Currently ranked no.2 in the UCI World Ranking, Püntener joins the SCOTT-SRAM team immediately, following the retirement of Nino Schurter. Fabio will race in the SCOTT-SRAM colours at the remaining World Cups in Lake Placid (USA) and Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada).
And Filippo Colombo has extended his contract until 2028. Together with the new-kid-on-the-block, the current Swiss Champion is a strong pillar in the future of the team as they look beyond Nino Schurter’s legacy.
He signed his first pro contract only a year ago. Unfortunately his team folded before it even started, leaving him without a ride just before the season kicked off. When he then broke his collarbone in February, things were not looking good. His former team, Bike Team Solothurn, gave him a chance to come back, which was the start of a remarkable turnaround in Püntener’s 2025 campaign.
The rest of the year reads like a fairy tale: two podiums in the World Cup, ranked No.4 in the World Cup overall standings and No.2 in the UCI Ranking. These results cement him as the runner up of the year and mark a development that we have not seen for years within this sport.
In the eyes of Thomas Frischknecht, his potential is big: “I’m excited about our new addition to the team. He’s a perfect fit as he’s a great person and talented rider. Fabio has a very strong engine and rides very smart. His technical skills are superb despite him being 192cm tall. With what we can offer him from the team side, I believe he will make the step to the next level.”
Filippo Colombo signs for a further three years
Reinforcing Swiss talent on the team, Filippo Colombo has signed for a further three years, taking him through to the end of the 2028 season and the LA 2028 Olympic Games. The current Swiss National Champion and ABSA Cape Epic winner has celebrated multiple Top 10 finishes this season, and has big ambitions for 2026, including his first World Cup win.
While he was unfortunately unable to race in Lenzerheide, due to a concussion suffered in practice, Filippo will join the team for the final XCO World Cup rounds in Lake Placid (USA) and Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada).
“It’s great to be able to plan for the future with such broad horizons. At SCOTT-SRAM, I have everything I need to develop further and reach the next level. I am very grateful for the trust Frischi has in me.”
Frischi to continue as Team Director until at least 2028
Thomas Frischknecht, who has led the SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team since the very beginning in 2002, when it was first launched as the Swisspower Mountain Bike Team, has announced that he will remain as Team Director until at least 2028. The SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team has long been admired in the sport for its consistency and longevity – of which Thomas Frischknecht is an essential part.
Following the retirement of Nino Schurter, the SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team looks forward to new opportunities and a bright future as they enter a new chapter. For Frischi to stay at the helm, with a talented young roster and a fresh approach, brings hope and ambition for the coming seasons.
“For me, the circle closes. The 2026 season and beyond will not be a duplicate of the past years. We’re kind-of going back to how it started 24 years ago when young talents like Nino Schurter formed the team. I’m looking forward to forming a great new squad with young, talented athletes like Emilly Johnston and Bjorn Riley while keeping the legacy of the team from the past. It’s all about team spirit!” comments Thomas Frischknecht.
“Of course, this marks the end of a major chapter for us. But with this new, much younger team, things will continue to be exciting. I am definitely looking forward to leading SCOTT-SRAM into a new era over the next three years with a good mix of great talent and personalities.”
