Snowshoe World Cup: Men’s XCO Finals

Originally posted on September 9, 2019 at 14:00 pm

There was little at stake concerning the overall for the men’s World Cup. World Champion Nino Schurter had the series in the bag and Sunday’s final was a bit of a victory lap for the dominant Swiss rider. However, Schurter certainly didn’t make the trip all the way to America to just phone in the final race of the season. The fans in Snowshoe, West Virginia were here to see a show and a show they would receive.

Henrique Avancini goes to the front early and often.

The Cannondale Factory Team combo of Maxime Marrotte and Henrique Avancini came out swinging putting the pressure on Schurter right from the gun. The long and fast line of 66 men snaked through the upper parts of the Snowshoe course before plunging into the woods. A group of ten or so riders formed in the middle laps of the race and each would take a stab off the front attempting to escape for the win. Schurter and teammate Lars Forster seemed to have the group under control until a late-race flat sent Schurter to the mechanic’s pit for a wheel change.

Luca Braidot took his chance at the front of the race only to drop out.

A quick wheel change and Schurter was back in the group. Avancini tried to capitalize on the World Champs misfortune and attacked out of the field with four laps to go. The hunt was on, Schurter and Forster lead the chase that would bring Avancini back with two laps remaining. The hard chase back to Avancini left the group reeling on the final laps and both Schurter and Forster would slip away off of the front.

Nino on the hunt.

It would come down to the teammates in the final corners, and Forster would best Schurter to take the win on the day. Schurter would celebrate not only the overall World Cup victory but the victory of his teammate Forster. Sunday was a big day for the Scott-Sram team and a big day for mountain biking fans as well. It was quite the incredible weekend of racing in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Don’t go being a stranger Wolrd Cup, come back soon!

Forster and Schurter controlled the group for the bilk of the race.
The field storms the course
American Keegan Swenson ripping a berm
The XCO course was a good mix of speed and gnar.
Wild and Wonderful indeed.
Avancini was relentless in his attacks
Schurter leads through the Chicane
The group feeling the pressure in the late stages of the race.
The fast pace and heat of the afternoon started to take its toll
The World Champ in full flight.
Forster celebrates the win.
Schurter enjoys the moment.
Nino Schurter and teammate Lars Forster embrace after a hard-fought battle.
Schurter celebrates the end of another successful season.
done and dusted
American Keegan Swenson feeling the full effect of his efforts
Heat, speed, dirt.
When you leave it all out there.
that’ll do
Lots to celebrate in the Scott-Sram camp aside from their fancy new hats.

Posted in News Racing Mountain Bike Mtb Nino Schurter Racing Snowshoe Mountain West Virginia World Cup


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