Nino Schurter was the first mountain biker to be voted Swiss Sportsman of the Year last Sunday. The title, which Schurter has wanted for a long time, now completes his palmares. But why the high status of this award when it is only of national importance and cannot be weighed up against an Olympic or world championship title?

However, the national prestige of this award is one of the greatest things for any athlete. It means that you have not only gained the favor of the sports media and top sports colleagues, but also that of the people. The latter has a far greater significance - not just for Schurter but for the entire sport of mountain biking in Switzerland.

Mr. and Mrs. Swiss are mountain bikers

The reputation of our sport has grown considerably in recent years. But measured by the Sport Awards, mountain biking was always just good enough - but at least it was regularly and strongly represented. But during this time, the sport of mountain biking was on the lookout with Schurter. Because even if he had already thoroughly deserved the award in 2016 and 2017, his achievements remained in the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Swiss.

At the same time, the Mountain Bike World Cup grew into the World Championships in Lenzerheide - the best ever, as it turned out. These title fights and their media impact were important pieces of the puzzle that helped Schurter win Switzerland's most important sporting award.

Using the momentum of the award

It's fair to say that this award is a kind of Swiss declaration of love for mountain biking. If the sport is practised by Mr. and Mrs. Swiss and no longer just by "freaks", it should be easier in future to approve new routes or trail optimizations, but also future events with the relevant authorities.

Speaking of routes: The fact that we have so many good mountain bikers in Switzerland is also thanks to our existing infrastructure, the hiking trail network. We are in the fortunate position of being able to go mountain biking almost everywhere. However, specific new buildings and optimizations for the purpose of promoting young talent, expanding the range of leisure activities or for tourism purposes are not ruled out.

Like Nino Schurter's successes, mountain bike infrastructures and offers don't just happen overnight. Encouraged by his award, this positive boost should now be used to tackle projects. However, it should also be a symbol of patience and perseverance if, for example, a route or event is not immediately approved.

Arrived but not yet at the finish line

All the further development of events, offers and infrastructure is also necessary. The sport of mountain biking may have arrived in society, but it is still a long way from reaching its goal. Just as Schurter is not sitting on his laurels, everyone else who is developing the sport in any way must not stand still. So let's use the momentum and the positive mood to take the sport to the next level together.