Two different riders. Two different disciplines. Two different backgrounds. One common connection, bikes, bikes and more bikes. Nino Schurter- the 4x World Champion, and Olympic medalist. Brendan Fairclough, downhill racer, style icon, natural talent freak. Both, however, are consistently fan favorites both on and off the race track. 

For the past several season, Nino and Brendan have found some time to get some training in together in the off season. Why would a lycra clad World Champ want to “train” with a full face helmet wearing corner roosting DH racer from the South of England? It’s pretty simple, Nino can do nothing but learn from Brendan, and Brendan can do nothing but learn from Nino. Each of their respective specialties and traits can only help one another in their respective disciplines. Both are extremely talented at what they do, and when you mix and match professional athlete’s qualities, good things happen.

As well all know, Nino calls the Mountainous region of Eastern Switzerland home. In winter time, however, this is not ideal for training on your mountain bike. For years, Nino has been spending time at his father’s home away from home in Tuscany where the trails start just below the Schurter home- ideal. This location is a literal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s mobbing the pickup up the areas steepest hills, riding flowy singletrack down to the beach or laying the hammer down on a dirt bike, this location never leaves you wanting more. The local coffee aint’ too bad, either.

Riding dirt bikes has always been an incredible way to cross train. Though they may both be at the top of their games fitness wise, it only takes a few rips on the dirt bike for the ever pesky arm pump to come into play. Both Brendan and Nino like getting the moto’s out for a good old shred, though the results aren’t always as precise!

When watching these two ride push bikes together, it is clear that they’re having a good time. Inside lines, nose bonks, manuals- they’re always pushing each other do go a bit faster, turn a bit harder, whip a bit further. At the end of the day, it’s riding bikes. Whether you’ve god the World Champion jersey on or not, there is no such thing as a bad bike ride. Once its done, you’ll always be happy that you’ve been out for a spin. Stay tuned for more episodes of the #huntforglory.

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Photography: SCOTT/Jochen Haar