One week earlier, Schurter will compete once again in the Swiss national jersey at the World Championships in Crans-Montana. After that, the active career of the Grisons native, who has shaped the history of mountain biking like no other, will come to an end. Since 2003, he has ridden for the same team, today's Scott-Sram MTB Racing, which was founded under the name Swisspower and led by Thomas Frischknecht.

The list of his successes is second to none: ten world championship titles, nine overall World Cup rankings, 36 World Cup victories, three triumphs at the Cape Epic and Olympic medals in all three colors. He won bronze in Beijing 2008, silver in London 2012 and finally gold in Rio 2016. With these successes, Schurter has not only broken records, but also inspired generations of athletes. His tenth World Championship title in Les Gets 2022 made history, as did his first triumph in Canberra in 2009.

"I am saying goodbye to the Cross-Country World Cup, but I will remain part of the fascinating world of cycling and the great people who are part of it," explained Schurter when announcing his retirement. "I am incredibly grateful for everything I have achieved in my career. Now it's time to take these experiences with me into a new chapter of my life. I am convinced that the coming years will also be exciting."

Team boss Thomas Frischknecht paid tribute to the retirement of his long-time protégé with emotional words: "It is every team boss's dream to be able to work with an athlete like Nino. I have had the privilege of accompanying him in my team for 23 years. His successes speak for themselves. But Nino is much more than the rider with the most victories. I am deeply impressed by his personality, his professionalism and his endless passion for the sport. His legacy will last forever and be a shining example for future generations."

Even though Schurter is ending his cross-country career, he will remain closely connected to the sport. He will continue to be part of the Scott-Sram MTB Racing Team, act as an ambassador for Scott, Sram and Rockshox and focus on new projects. In addition to charity and event commitments, he is also drawn to new sporting challenges such as long-distance races and gravel formats. For example, he is planning to take part in the Absa Cape Epic 2026, the toughest stage race in mountain biking.

There is no doubt that Schurter remains a role model beyond the race track. For over two decades, he was the face of mountain biking, inspiring young talents worldwide and showing what is possible with discipline, passion and a spirit of innovation. His rivalries with major competitors, his collaboration with industry partners and his interaction with fans have had a lasting impact on the sport and increased its popularity far beyond Switzerland.

So on September 21, 2025, Nino Schurter will cross the start line of a cross-country World Cup race for the last time. It is likely to be an emotional farewell for the fans in Lenzerheide and a milestone for the sport as a whole. At 39, the Grisons native may be leaving the stage of the World Cup circuit, but his mountain biking story is far from over. Because one thing is certain: Nino Schurter will remain a formative figure in international cycling in the future.