Nino Schurter will race in Granada: the MTB legend debuts at the Utopía Gravel 2026

Nino Schurter, considered the greatest of all time in XCO, has confirmed his participation in the Utopia Gravel 2026, which will take place on April 11 in the Gorafe desert, in the province of Granada. This is his first confirmed race since he announced his retirement just a few weeks ago.

Nino Schurter confirms he will compete in the Utopia Gravel 2026

With an impressive career in Olympic cross-country (XCO), where he has achieved ten world titles, several World Cup victories, and an Olympic gold medal, Schurter will embark on a new sporting phase in the world of gravel, a discipline he has not yet explored in professional competition.

His choice of Spain and the Utopia Gravel as the stage for his debut in this modality underscores the growing international projection of the event, which has established itself as one of the most important in the global gravel calendar. The news of his participation has generated great anticipation among cycling fans, who eagerly await to see one of the most admired icons of MTB face the challenging routes of the Granada event.

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The Utopia Gravel, which will be held in the town of Baza (Granada), is characterized by its uniquely beautiful route, traversing the Gorafe desert and its surroundings. Participants will have the opportunity to tackle two route options: one of 165 km with 2,800 m of positive elevation gain, and another of 110 km with 1,600 m. Both routes combine technical sections, rural roads, and fast tracks, offering a challenge both physically and technically for cyclists.

The event stands out not only for the toughness of its route but also for its adventurous character and careful organization. The event has become a reference point for gravel enthusiasts, and in 2026 it will celebrate its third edition with the sponsorship of Scott.

To face this challenge, Schurter will compete with the SCOTT Addict Gravel RC, the high-performance gravel bike in the brand's catalog. With a combination of lightness, efficiency, and control, the model is perfectly suited to the fast and demanding routes of the Utopia Gravel. The Addict Gravel RC is ideal for those seeking speed without compromising versatility, and promises to be the perfect ally for Nino Schurter in his first foray into this modality.

This step by Schurter towards gravel not only marks a milestone in his career but also opens a new chapter in the development of this discipline, which is increasingly on the rise internationally. Undoubtedly, the Utopia Gravel 2026 will be a key event for cycling, and Schurter's participation further elevates its relevance in the gravel race calendar.