Nino Schurter wins the BC Bike Race and gives the new SCOTT Spark its first victory

The BC Bike Race 2026 is already part of the long list of milestones in the career of Nino Schurter. The Swiss rider was crowned the winner of the 20th edition of the prestigious Canadian stage race and became the first European rider to win the overall men's classification in the two decades of the event's history. A victory with special significance, as this edition was also the last held under the original seven-day format.

Nino Schurter makes history and conquers the BC Bike Race in the farewell of the legendary 7-day format

The final day, with 44 kilometers on the trails of Maple Mountain, closed a week marked by duels between Schurter and the best Canadian specialists. The SCOTT-SRAM rider managed to defend his lead in a decisive stage where he also had an unexpected ally. His main rival, Peter Disera, suffered a fall that ultimately eliminated any chance of fighting for the overall victory.

Schurter wins the challenge of the Canadian trails

Although the final result may suggest a clear dominance, Schurter acknowledged that the race was far from easy. The ten-time world champion had to face riders who were very familiar with trails he was riding for the first time throughout the week.

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“It was difficult, to be honest. Some trails have lines where, if you don’t know the course, you don’t know what the fastest line is. Competing against local riders who know the trails when you don’t was a challenge, but a nice challenge,” Schurter explained after sealing the victory.

The Swiss also highlighted the unique character of the Canadian event compared to other stage races on the international calendar. “It’s a different kind of competition. There’s a lot more technicality on the bike, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for now. Doing things like this, which are really special. It’s one of the best places to ride a bike in the world.”

His presence at the BC Bike Race was not a coincidence. After closing his chapter as a regular in the XCO World Cup, Schurter has begun to explore new challenges and acknowledged that this race had been on his list of goals for years. “I had always heard incredible stories about this event, and throughout my career, I have loved technical mountain biking. It was a race that had always been on my list. It’s my first year away from the World Cup, and I took the opportunity. It has been a fantastic experience.”

The battle for the overall was marked by the duel between Schurter and Disera. The Canadian was one of the few able to put the Swiss champion under pressure during the week, even managing to defeat him in several close finishes.

However, a fall in the final stage ended any hope of a comeback. Disera went off the trail after catching his handlebars and ended up stuck in the vegetation. Beyond the crash, the Canadian particularly lamented losing the opportunity to continue competing head-to-head with Schurter until the last kilometer.

Behind them, Carter Nieuwesteeg completed the final podium after staying close to the two leaders throughout the week.

Men's overall classification

1. Nino Schurter (Switzerland)
2. Peter Disera (Canada)
3. Carter Nieuwesteeg (Canada)
4. Max McCulloch (Canada)
5. Tobin Ortenblad (United States)

Nino Schurter gives the first major victory to the new Spark

Nino Schurter's victory at the BC Bike Race 2026 also marks an important milestone for SCOTT. The Swiss rider competed throughout the week on the same prototype that the SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team debuted at the beginning of the season in the XCO World Cup, which is expected to be the next generation of the Spark. Although the brand has not yet officially confirmed the model or its final specifications, this is the first major victory achieved by a bike that has already generated enormous anticipation within the international paddock.

The images show a profound evolution compared to the current Spark. SCOTT maintains the concept of the integrated shock within the frame, but all indications are that it has completely redesigned the suspension layout, with a new architecture that dispenses with the visible upper link and adopts a articulated system in the lower part of the frame. The fact that Schurter chose this prototype to tackle a demanding seven-day race and took it to overall victory reinforces the idea that the development is already in a very advanced phase and increasingly closer to its official presentation.

Ruth Holcomb conquers the women's category

In the women's event, the victory went to Ruth Holcomb, who confirmed her excellent form by winning a highly contested race.

The American returned to MTB after focusing in recent months on gravel and working with the U.S. track pursuit team. The change of scenery did not seem to affect her. Holcomb won several stages during the week and managed to withstand the pressure from some of the most experienced riders in the peloton.

“Every day was different. There were incredible trails and completely different races among them. Winning is fantastic, but above all, it has been a super fun week,” the American explained after securing the overall.

The second position went to Hannah Simms, while the event legend Katerina Nash closed the final podium after another outstanding performance in which she once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the BC Bike Race.

Women's overall classification

1. Ruth Holcomb (United States)
2. Hannah Simms (Canada)
3. Katerina Nash (Czech Republic)
4. Sandra Walter (Canada)
5. Maghalie Rochette (Canada)

An era comes to an end

Beyond the sporting results, the 2026 edition marked the end of an era for the organization. After twenty years, the BC Bike Race is abandoning the classic format of seven consecutive days that made it a world reference for stage mountain biking.

The event will return in 2027 with a renewed structure of five days, new routes, and the return of Squamish to the itinerary. A new chapter for a race that closed its most iconic stage with a winner worthy of the moment. Because even away from the World Cup, Nino Schurter continues to find ways to keep making history.