Nino Schurter proved, once again, that he is still the man to beat in cross country mountain biking. The Swiss star stormed to the win in Sunday’s XCO world championships in Les Gets. It’s a historic 10th win for the veteran racer.
This win didn’t come easy. Schurter rebounded from a crash early in the race. He also had to fend off challenges from David Serrano Valero of Spain, ascendant Italian Luca Braidot and road cycling star (and reigning cross country mountain bike Olympic champion) Tom Pidcock.
Crush for @nschurter 🤯
And he’s straight back on his bike!#LesGets2022 pic.twitter.com/jIG9mRLkM0
— UCI MTB (@UCI_MTB) August 28, 2022
While Pidcock has shown before that switching disciplines mid-season is no problem, the Brit did struggle with Les Gets’ technical course. The Olympic champion crashed once, then completely stalled out on the same feature later in the race, appearing resigned and frustrated with the obstacle.
Oh nooo 🤯@tompidcock goes down! #LesGets2022 pic.twitter.com/6pd7goI9NK
— UCI MTB (@UCI_MTB) August 28, 2022
Pidcock still kept the leading trio under pressure all race, but couldn’t keep with the front three. When Schurter did finally attack the group, only Valero Serrano could try hold his wheel. The powerful Spaniard couldn’t match the Swiss sensation’s pace, though.
🌈🥇 @nschurter 🌈🥇
10th Men Elite XCO World Champion title
🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐#LesGets2022 pic.twitter.com/rGMCIM2aUm— UCI MTB (@UCI_MTB) August 28, 2022
Nino Schurter crossed the line, alone out front, for his incredible 10th elite men’s world championship title. Despite having so many wins to his name already, the veteran racer was thrilled to add this latest feather to his cap.
Look how much it means to @nschurter
Jump up and down, you are the Men Elite XCO World Champion 🥇🌈#LesGets2022 pic.twitter.com/LpRIvL6k8y
— UCI MTB (@UCI_MTB) August 28, 2022
David Valero Serrano takes second. Italy’s Luca Braidot is third. Pidcock held on for fourth ahead of Marcel Guerrini.
Ladies and gentleman, the one and only, @nschurter 🐐
🗣 “It’s insane. I couldn’t believe when I crossed the finish that I did it again!”#LesGets2022 pic.twitter.com/WQZVa4jYc8
— UCI MTB (@UCI_MTB) August 28, 2022
Canadians in France
Sean Fincham worked his way through the field to take Canada’s top finish in Les Gets. The Norco racer was 30th at the line on what was otherwise a rough race for the Canadian…
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