Schurter bests Absalon in Albstadt

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Nino Schurter (Scott-Odlo) finally won the one World Cup that has been eluding him, when he took the win in Albstadt, Germany for round 2 of the cross-country World Cup. However, it was not an easy victory; he won over arch rival Julien Absalon (BMC) in a sprint by only half a bike length.

Albstadt is considered one of the most physically demanding courses on the World Cup circuit, with long steep climbs and technical descents. Many riders have gone out too hard, only to blow up and fade in the latter part of the race.

The men's race quickly came down to Schurter and Absalon, as it usually does. The pair rode wheel to wheel for the entire race, and neither could drop the other. Behind, a chase group formed, consisting of Maxime Marotte (BH-SR Suntour-KMC), Jaroslav Kulhavy (Specialized) and Lars Forster (BMC). Forster was dropped by the other two, and then Marotte finally dropped Kulhavy with a lap and a half to go.

On the final lap, Schurter and Absalon took turns attacking each other, but neither could open a gap. Last year, Schurter took chances on the final descent and crashed, handing the victory to Absalon, so this year he waited for the sprint out of the final corner onto pavement. Absalon led out of the corner, but Schurter clearly had a stronger kick and came around his rival in the final five metres.

"Yeah, that was really close," said Schurter. "It was a great race for me, it was a tough battle with Julien, and I would say we were both the same [fitness]. I knew maybe I had a chance on a sprint, so, yeah, it worked out pretty good for me. I tried once or twice to get away, to see, but I never really got a gap. Julien also tried to drop me on the climb. I would say we were both the same strength, and I knew on a sprint finish I could maybe beat him. That straight finish is also long enough and I was lucky to win it in a sprint."

Schurter leads the standings with 500 points after his second straight win. Absalon moves into second in the standings at 360 points, tied with Marotte.

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