You are currently the best in the world. Are you afraid of being number two at some point?
No, I'm not afraid. But of course, I've already thought about it. Sooner or later it will happen. Whether I want to or not. But why should I worry about it now? I'm still trying to give it my all. By winning in Rio, I've achieved the last big title that I was missing. It was a real load off my mind. I think that was also one of the reasons why I was so successful this year. I know what I'm capable of and now I don't have to prove anything to anyone.
You might rather think: if you no longer have any goals, you lose motivation.
Of course I still have goals. I want to defend my gold medal in Tokyo in 2020. I also see it differently: when you're successful, it's much easier to motivate yourself.
Many exceptional talents retire when they have achieved everything. Have you ever thought about it?
Not even once! I love my job. Why on earth should I stop? Besides, I'm too young to retire.
In your video series Hunt for Glory, you documented how you centred your whole life around the Olympic Games. Wouldn't it have been appropriate to sit back a little afterwards?
I did that too. I was on holiday with my family for a whole month. But after that, I'd had enough of putting my feet up. Whether I'm on cross-country skis, in the gym or on my bike, I have so much fun at work that I don't really need a holiday.
Aren't you afraid of missing out on something? Parties, for example?
Parties? I'm happier when I'm trying out jumps with my mates in the bike park during the off-season than when I have to spend a hungover Sunday lying on the sofa. And if I do feel like it, then I'll party, but after the season.
Your titles have not only brought you fame, but also big sponsorship contracts. What role does money still play for you?
Of course money plays a role, I have to make a living and feed my family. Nevertheless, I know that I started mountain biking for fun. The fact that I now earn my living from it is all the better.
For many, money is a motivation to perform better.
My motivation is to get everything out of my body, regardless of my bank balance. I need competition in my life. When I have a duel on the race track, it gives me a kick. The will to win this duel motivates me more than any prize money.
The entire World Cup is in your shadow. Are you burdened by your role as a leading figure?
No. Not at all. I think it's always good for a sport if there are a few guys who are always at the front. In the past, it was the duels with Jaroslav or Julien that made the sport exciting. Now everyone is looking forward to the moment when I get beaten.
Your long-term rival Julien Absalon broke his collarbone at the start of this season and never really got into shape. Have you been bored at the top this year?
I certainly wasn't bored. It's also nice to be so successful for once. I would have had a much harder time if Julien hadn't got injured, I'm sure of that. Nevertheless, I always enjoyed the duels with him, even when I was beaten. I have to admit, I missed those duels a bit this year.
Absalon is 37, was similarly successful as you and has just declared that he wants to ride one more season. Are you looking forward to that?
I've heard about it and I can understand his decision. This season would not have been a worthy end to Julien's career. I love the challenge. If it were up to me, he could continue racing for a long time.
You rode the Tour de Suisse three years ago. Wouldn't a start at the Tour de France be a nice change of scenery?
At the time, the Tour de Suisse was a test to see whether I would enjoy life as a professional road cyclist. But I quickly realised that my talent lay in mountain biking. I'd rather be a world-class mountain biker than a helper in the Tour de France peloton. Mountain biking is simply my life.
INFO NINO SCHURTER
When Nino Schurter is at the start, it's usually only a question of second place for the competition. At least that was the case in 2017. The 31-year-old Swiss rider not only won the Cape Epic, but also all the World Cup races and the World Championships. No athlete before him has ever had such a flawless season.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 12/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
