“People who say he lacks technical ability are simply wrong” – MTB legend backs Mathieu van der Poel’s World Championship challenge

As the mountain biking world turns its gaze to this afternoon’s World Championships, one voice stands out in support of Mathieu van der Poel’s challenge — that of nine-time world champion and undisputed legend of the sport, Nino Schurter.

The 39-year-old Swiss icon is set to make his final appearance at the World Championships, bringing the curtain down on a glittering career that has shaped a generation of mountain bikers. But despite stepping away from the spotlight himself, Schurter is unequivocal about who could steal it today.

“Mathieu is a giant in the world of cycling,” Schurter told De Telegraaf ahead of the race. “Together with Tom Pidcock, he’s one of the few riders who can truly jump between disciplines and still perform at the very top level.”

While Schurter admits his own days of podium contention are behind him, his assessment of Van der Poel’s potential on this year’s course leaves little room for doubt. “He can hang with the very best here — no question,” Schurter said. “He’s been on-site since Sunday, and we all know how quickly he can get himself into top shape for a World Championships.”

Despite Van der Poel’s monumental success on the road and in cyclo-cross, some still question whether he possesses the technical finesse required for top-level mountain biking. Schurter strongly disagrees.

“People who say he lacks technical ability are simply wrong,” he stated. “In 2018, I won the world title, but Mathieu was standing right next to me on the podium in third place. That was a very special moment — sharing it with him.”

In fact, Schurter sees Van der Poel — along with Pidcock — not just as a guest star, but as a genuine asset to the sport of mountain biking. “These guys are a gift to cycling, and their presence enriches mountain biking,” he said. “When they show up, it’s fantastic publicity for our sport. I honestly hope both Mathieu and Tom commit even more to mountain biking in the future. It would lead to legendary battles and unforgettable racing.”

Schurter isn’t the only one wary of Van der Poel’s presence. Fellow Swiss rider Mathias Flückiger, who is expected to be Switzerland’s strongest medal hope today, was candid about the challenge Van der Poel presents. “You always know he’s dangerous in the finale,” Flückiger admitted. “I’ve no intention of going to the line with him — that would be asking for trouble.”

As Schurter prepares to take his final bow at a World Championships, he does so with his eyes firmly on the future of the discipline he helped define. Riders like Van der Poel may come from outside MTB’s traditional pathways, but for Schurter, their presence ensures mountain biking’s relevance and appeal in a wider cycling landscape.

Whether Van der Poel can translate that promise into rainbow stripes this afternoon remains to be seen. But with the backing of one of the sport’s greatest ever champions, few can doubt his credentials.