With nine victories in twelve XCO appearances in Val di Sole, the Swiss legend is unrivalled on the Trentino course. From 20 to 22 June, all eyes will once again be on Schurter at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Daolasa di Commezzadura
Nino Schurter and Val di Sole: a 17-year love story defined by victories, emotion, and records. With nine wins across twelve participations in UCI World Cups and World Championships, the Swiss icon remains the undisputed master of Cross-Country in Trentino.
From 20 to 22 June, 2025 he returns to the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Daolasa di Commezzadura with a clear target in sight: a landmark tenth win on the track he knows better than any other.
“Val di Sole holds a special place in my heart,” said Schurter. “I love racing here – the course suits me perfectly, the atmosphere is electric, and winning so many times gives me a strong boost of confidence. I’d love to be in the fight for the win again this year.”
His story began in 2008 with the U23 World Championship title and grew through multiple World Cup triumphs, including a career-defining moment in 2022 when he captured the Elite rainbow jersey with a dramatic last-corner pass on compatriot Matthias Flückiger. “That Worlds was especially emotional – not just for the way it ended, but because my daughter was there waiting for me at the finish. The pass on Flückiger? That was pure instinct. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t – that day, it worked.”
Now in his third decade at the top of the sport, the SCOTT-SRAM Racing Team rider (SCOTT became the official bike partner of Val di Sole Bikeland in 2025) has taken on, and often overcome, every generation of rival – from legendary battles with Julien Absalon to the modern clashes with multi-discipline stars like Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock. Yet his approach remains unchanged. “When I line up at the start, I’m not thinking about who might beat me. I just focus on my own performance. That’s what matters if you want to fight for the win.”
With 37 World Cup victories and 10 World Championship titles to his name, Schurter is widely hailed as the greatest MTB athlete of all time. At 39, his drive shows no sign of fading.
He remains tight-lipped about what lies ahead, though local organisers APT Val di Sole and Grandi Eventi Val di Sole are already dreaming of seeing him race the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Daolasa – the perfect closing chapter to a legendary career. “Right now I’m focused on 2025. I’m taking things month by month, race by race. After the season’s over, I’ll decide what’s next.”
In Val di Sole, Schurter will line up for both the Short Track on Friday 20 June (6:10 PM) and the Olympic Cross-Country race on Sunday 22 June (1:30 PM).
