Nino Schurter arrived last at the World Championship and was a protagonist on the podium

It was Nino Schurter's last World Championship, the most decorated male cross-country cyclist in history, and the Swiss wanted to say goodbye to his people in an unforgettable way. He crossed the finish line in last place with the fans completely devoted and he responded with greetings and jumps at every turn.

Nino Schurter bids farewell in style at Crans Montana

Schurter, at 39 years old, had announced that the 2025 World Championship in his country would be the last of his career in this competition. The Olympic champion in Rio 2016 and ten-time XCO world champion enjoyed every meter of the course in an atmosphere that seemed more like a celebration than a farewell. The chants of "Nino! Nino! Nino!" echoed this Sunday in Crans-Montana to bid farewell to a national idol.

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It was the first time Schurter finished last in a race, but he did it to enjoy it to the fullest. And he was once again a protagonist on the podium by being in charge of handing out the medals and dressing Alan Hatherly in the rainbow jersey that he himself has worn for ten seasons. A gesture full of symbolism.

Nino Schurter leaves behind a legacy that will be very difficult to repeat. From his first world title in 2009 to the last in 2022, he dominated the discipline with almost absolute authority. He has 10 elite world titles, 36 victories in the World Cup, 9 overall titles, and Olympic medals of all colors: bronze in Beijing 2008, silver in London 2012, and gold in Rio 2016. In addition, he has also conquered multiple Cape Epics, proving to be a complete competitor in all terrains.

The Swiss will end his career in the World Cup next week in Lenzerheide, where he will presumably compete in his last international race at home. He will not be in Mont-Sainte-Anne or Lake Placid, preferring to close his competitive chapter in the place where he was crowned world champion in 2018.

Although he is retiring from the elite, Schurter has already hinted that he will continue to be involved in cycling, competing in new formats and adventures. But in Crans-Montana, with the fervor of thousands of fans, it was clear that his legend in XCO already belongs to history.