Until recently, Nino Schurter was the high-flyer of mountain biking, the measure of all things. Now the competition is no longer breathing down his neck and he is increasingly being overshadowed. "When others suddenly start winning, as a former champion you realize how quickly fame can fade. Attention is fleeting. Suddenly it belongs to others. That's bitter," says an honest Schurter, analyzing his current situation. It is therefore obvious that he is repeatedly asked about his plans to retire. After all, he has been racing on the cross-country circuits for over 20 years. "I want to be competitive until the end of my career. If I compete just to finish tenth, I don't know if that's enough for me in the long run," he states. Half measures were never his thing.

"I'm still under contract with Scott, my team, for next year. I will definitely ride next season," he confirms his ambitions for the 2022 season, which will be his eleventh year riding in the world champion jersey in the famous rainbow colors. However, the path to the 2024 Olympic Games is not yet fixed. It would be Schurter's fifth Games. "But I still have to decide this year. The team and coach need planning security," he explains his situation. Schurter is not a man of chance, he will decide in the next few weeks whether he will be at the start in 2023. The crucial question: what are his chances of winning an Olympic medal in France? He is not interested in just being there.

Trainer or pilot?

Schurter is leaving it open as to what comes after his racing career. "I would like to establish a new racing series in Switzerland with partners," he says. He will definitely stay involved in racing. He could also imagine a career as a coach or team manager. But there is also another prospect for the high-flyer: flying. "I'm flirting with a professional pilot's license for helicopters," says Schurter. He already has his private pilot's license and often enjoys travelling to races by helicopter instead of by car. He has the helicopter's control stick under control, Schurter is in control. Similar to his many years as a racing driver. Now he plans a controlled departure, chance is not his thing. Typical Nino.

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