NINO'S SECRET WEAPON?

Did a prototype SRAM drivetrain save the day for the new, 10-time world champion Nino Schurter?

There was no shortage of action at the 2022 MTB World Championships. From the frenzied French podium sweep in the men’s DH to Pauline FerrandPrevot’s victory in front of a passionate home crowd in the women’s XCO – all of which meant that Les Gets 2022 will go down in mountain bike history.

But there was a story in the men’s XCO that may have slipped under the radar of all but the most eagle-eyed spectators, and ended up having a profound effect on the results.

On lap three, all eyes were on multi-talented Olympic champion Tom Pidcock and his attack on the lead group after battling through the field. But a few bike lengths behind the Brit, veteran champion Nino Schurter low-sided on a grassy off-camber turn, and although it wasn't a serious crash, the drive side of his Scott Spark RC slid for several metres along the deck.