Scott (Czech Republic) – Press Release: N1NO Schurter Wins Closest Sprint Ever.

The World Champion has won the 6th race out of 8 competitions he did in Nove Mesto, CZ. After his major rivals crashed, N1NO had to battle it out on the finish line with a "Kiwi".

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 prooved to still be the best and most consistent rider in Cross-Country racing.

Last year it was the mission of #theperfectseason. This year N1NO it 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 #thepefectrace, 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.

After some of the biggest names were out of the competition for the podium, N1NO faced Lars Forster speeding up the pace. But N1NO stayed calm. With Anton Cooper and Maxime Marotte catching up with the two Swiss men, Forster got dropped after some first attacks of N1NO. Marotte was looking ready for his first ever World Cup win but like quite often, the French man couldn't keep up at the end. It was all about N1NO and youngster Anton Cooper riding towards the long tarmac finish strip with 10.000 spectators cheering from the huge tribune. N1NO had to give it his all- and won the photo finish by a few millimeters.


The Top 5 of the World Cup Podium in Nove Mesto- N1NO Schurter (1st), Anton Cooper (2nd), Maxime Marotte (3rd), Lars Forster (4th), Manuel Fumic (5th).


The closest Finish line sprint in the history of professional Mountain Bike racing. N1NO Schurter outsprints Anton Cooper (NZ) by only a few millimeters.


N1NO Schurter's major rivals- Mathieu van der Poel, Sam Gaze, and Stephane Tempier- all crashed or faced mechanicals. The World Champion didn't.

Nino Schurter:
"This was a thriller to the line. The race track and the ambiance is just the best! All went perfect for me and I cant’s ask for a more exciting win. Even I felt very strong today, I was at now time sure I’m going to win. The foto finish really sums up how tight everything is at the moment. That’s why I’m very thankful to still step on the top of the podium in such a strong field."

With one 2nd place and two wins so far, N1NO leads the World Cup Overall ranking (780pts) ahead of Maxime Marotte (573 pts, FRA) and Mathieu van der Poel (535 pts, NEL).