SCOTT

Difficult training in Val di Sole

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 0:19:52 -0600

Yesterday's first training at the world cup in Val di Sole started in deep dust. The natural track with plenty of roots and rocks was good for lots happy faces.

At lunchtime, heavy rain came in and changed things. Once again, like at every other world cup this year except for Scotland, our mechanics put the Schwalbe Dirty Dan mud tires on our bikes.

The big wet roots on the course were challenging the riders skills, but since these conditions almost became standard this year, they could handle them well, especially after a weekend on the steepest track of the world in Champery. What might be even scarier than the gnarly track is the fact that a camera man got bit by a snake just next to it and had to be treated in hospital.

Get on track! Nick Beers and Fabien Pedemanauds helmet cam run will be up on www.freecaster.tv check the video here.

Photos by Sven Martin, more of them on www.scott11racing.com

Hawaii Quali for Stefan Schmid

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 9:11:07 -0600

The young 23-year old German Triathlete Stefan Schmid from Peissenberg did it: At the “Ironman Switzerland” in Zuerich on Sunday 25^th he had a perfect race - he realized his qualification for the Ironman in Hawaii and he missed just for a couple of minutes the podium.

Before starting he already knew that due to the slot-regulation he needed to win his age group (TM 18-24) to get qualified for the world championship in Kona/Hawaii – and finally he didn’t only won, he was even dominating his age group by advancing the second triathlete in his age group for more than 40 minutes.

He finished in 8.38,59h and became 6^th overall, ahead of many other professional athletes. So he’s been the first and only amateur in the Top 10. The winner Ronnie Schildknecht just missed the men's course record in taking his fourth title after 8.12,40h.

Top 10 / Ironman Zürich
1. Schildknecht, Ronnie 9/1/1 00:50:29 04:29:10 02:51:04 08:12:40
2. Sundberg, Swen 7/4/2 00:50:24 04:36:03 03:00:39 08:29:18
3. Aigroz, Mike 6/2/3 00:50:22 04:29:08 03:13:00 8:34:24
4. Riesen, Stefan 21/7/4 00:58:34 04:38:17 02:58:16 08:37:10
5. Schellens, Gerrit 13/13/5 00:54:17 04:58:27 02:42:55 08:38:26
6. Schmid, Stefan 1/1/1 24/M18 00:54:34 04:46:10 02:54:42 08:38:59
7. Elguezabal, Mikel 8/3/6 00:50:28 04:29:06 03:20:14 08:42:04
8. Schifferle, Mike 23/5/7 01:00:00 04:32:01 03:08:44 08:43:51
9. Wyss, Rafael 22/8/8 00:59:47 04:45:33 02:59:36 08:47:16
10. Helin, Pieter 19/14/9 00:57:32 04:55:14 02:52:02 08:47:16

KJ's Voltage on Vital

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 9:01:32 -0600

Kyle Jameson shows off his smooth style and his Voltage YZ0 LTD in this Vital MTB bike check. You can also catch Kyle on his bike featured in the 2010 SCOTT Voltage ad.

Orobie Skyraid 2010 – race report

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 2:59:15 -0600

The “Orobie Skyraid” on July 4^th, partnered by SCOTT and POLAR, took on the historical tracks of the “Sentiere delle Orobie” in Northern Italy, near to Bergamo. Over 40 teams of 3 runners were registered for this technical sky raid with a total of 84km. This time the “Orobie” actually featured the World Skyrunning Championships, so performances, good ambiance and suspense were guaranteed.

One of the closest battles in this challenge took place during the first stage between the “SALOMON TRAIL TEAM MEN UK” and the Italian team of “ASD GS ALTITUDE”: In the end of the race the English team has been 5.22mn ahead of the Italians and finished the “Orobie Skyraid” after 8h52.59mn. Race director and still record holder (2005: 8h52.31mn) Mario Poletti was highly pleased that thanks to more than 350 volunteers the participants feedbacks have been very positive and enthusiastic. Therefore he announced just a short time after the race that he and his team are really motivated to organize the 5^th edition in July 2011 to meet again these enjoyable and sporty people.

Beside the race Mario Poletti organized an exposition with 18 different Partners as well as the “StraOrobie Familiy Run”, a short and hilly track of approximately 6km, where finally 400 young runners and trailers participated. Perhaps one day we’re going to see one of these promising young athletes again in the mountains near to Bergamo, on the occasion to beat Marios incredible record.

For more information, results, photos and more, please check the Orobie-Website:
www.orobieskyraid.it/

Give me Five.

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 2:36:11 -0600

HTC-Columbia's Mark Cavendish became the first ever rider in history to win for two years running on the Champs-Elysées as he racked up his fifth stage victory in the 2010 Tour de France. Already the winner of stages five, six, 11 and 18 this year, Cavendish's victory in the Tour's final stage is the fifteenth of his career in cycling's top event, and his 59th road win since turning pro in 2007.

"My Tour didn't start too well and in the first week I was wondering how it would turn out," Cavendish said. "But the team rode incredibly strongly for me and I tried to make amends. As the race progressed my feelings got better and better and winning here in Paris on the most spectacular finish of them all is a great way to end the race. When you win you get confident, when you're confident you win. It's as simple as that."

"[HTC-Columbia teammate] Bernie Eisel took me to the tunnel and then Tony Martin dropped me off where I needed to be to go for the win. It's been a real rollercoaster event, but the people here in France always make it special and I want to thank all of them, the team and support staff and all the other people who have helped me all the way."

HTC-Columbia's Mark Cavendish became the first ever rider in history to win for two years running on the Champs-Elysées as he racked up his fifth stage victory in the 2010 Tour de France. Already the winner of stages five, six, 11 and 18 this year, Cavendish's victory in the Tour's final stage is the fifteenth of his career in cycling's top event, and his 59th road win since turning pro in 2007.

"My Tour didn't start too well and in the first week I was wondering how it would turn out," Cavendish said. "But the team rode incredibly strongly for me and I tried to make amends. As the race progressed my feelings got better and better and winning here in Paris on the most spectacular finish of them all is a great way to end the race. When you win you get confident, when you're confident you win. It's as simple as that."

"[HTC-Columbia teammate] Bernie Eisel took me to the tunnel and then Tony Martin dropped me off where I needed to be to go for the win. It's been a real rollercoaster event, but the people here in France always make it special and I want to thank all of them, the team and support staff and all the other people who have helped me all the way."

Schurter and Vogel sign until 2014

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 6:51:40 -0600

Schurter and Vogel continue with SCOTT-Swisspower MTB Racing Team

The two world-class mountain bikers Nino Schurter and Florian Vogel stay with the SCOTT-Swisspower MTB racing team for another four years. They signed until 2014. This will be a good base to reach future goals together, including the Olympic games in 2012.

The SCOTT-Swisspower team continues to build its powerhouse with the regaining world champion and Olympic medalist Nino Schurter and last years bronze medal winner at the world championships Florian Vogel. Both athletes are part of the team, which is under the wings of Thomas Frischknecht, since the very beginning. „ I like the good team spirit of the familiarly crew. The trust we have in each other makes me feel very comfortable. We have everything it takes to be successful. This is a fruitful base to be successful“ is Nino Schurter’s comment for his long-term commitment.

Another good reason is the equipment of the SCOTT-Swisspower team, which is world class as well. The Swiss stars can relay on the worlds lightest frame, the SCOTT Scale. With a weight of less than 899 grams it’s the benchmark of the industry.

At the World Cup race in Champéry World Champion Nino Schurter and Florian Vogel were riding the new Scale in a spectacular way.

Driven by the world's lightest carbon frame below 899 grams the guys ended up both on the podium. Vogel 1st, Schurter 3rd, with the new Scale they took the the short cut to the podium right away!

Watch out to the WC in Val di Sole and the lucky numbers, 899, the World Champions 899 grams of eXCellence!

Video here

Schurter, Vogel and the younger talents count on the fastest bikes, the experience of former world champion Thomas Frischknecht and the know how of well-known coach Nicolas Siegenthaler. This way they can focus on their goals.

„The concept of the team gives younger riders a chance to develop slowly and benefit of the experience of the team leaders. Nino and me were lucky to grow up in such an environment. Now it’s time to give something back and help the younger generation to develop. I’m exited to continue with this program for another four years“ stated Florian Vogel.

Along the two top riders the team will give four junior and under 17 a spot in the team.

SCOTT Contessa Riding Days

Thu, 27 May 2010 3:50:05 -0600

SCOTT Contessa Riding Days
5th - 8th of August 2010

The Contessa Riding Days is a liked woman’s bike touring and technique camp for advanced riders and single trail fans. The Engadin offers among its magnificent scenery a good infrastructure of mountain railways and single trails. The camp is leaded by Karen Eller who is an experienced rider and loves to improve your riding skills in seminars and technique lessons. Ad on there is a varied evening program planned! SCOTT provides a selection of high end test mountainbikes and its brand new bike wear collection. Be excited and take part…

Activities included:
- 3 nights double room (single room for extra charge) with breakfast buffet in a **** hotel at Engadin
- 2 dinners (barbecue or Mongolian evening, 3-course menu) and 3 lunches on tour
- Riding skills training for different levels
- 1 guided tour for riding skills improvement
- 1 guided single trail tour to Poschiavo (2-3 levels)
- 1 train ride back from Poschiavo to Bernina with the famous Bernina Express
- 1/2 day single trail adventure with mountain rail in Pontresina (2-3 levels)
- Seminars around the bike
- Current test bikes of SCOTT
- SCOTT show room
- SCOTT welcome package
- Fi`zi:k testing saddles

Price
DZ: Euro 470,- * early booking discount

Scott-Swisspowers Medaillensatz

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 8:53:19 -0600

Grosserfolg an der MTB Schweizermeisterschaft in Gränichen

Drei Schweizermeistertitel (Elite, Junioren und U17) sowie eine Silbermedaille bei der Elite sind die satte Ausbeute bei der SM 2010. Dies ist die erfolgreichste Bilanz seit bestehen des Swisspower Teams. Überragend war das Rennen der Elite mit dem Doppelsieg von Nino Schurter und Florian Vogel. Die SCOTT-Swisspower Dominanz wurde durch einen super fahrenden Marcel Wildhaber als Fünfter unterstrichen. Beim Nachwuchs gingen die Titel wie erwartet an Roger Walder (Junioren) und Andri Frischknecht (U17).

Wer will noch mal wer hat noch nicht

Die Ausgangslage war brisant. In Abwesenheit von Ralph Näf und Christoph Sauser waren vor allem zwei Hauptfavoriten gesetzt. FlorianVogel als Lokalmatador, er ist im RC Gränichen gross geworden, wollte unbedingt seinen Titel verteidigen und somit das Tripple schaffen von drei Schweizermeister Titeln in Folge. Nino Schurter ist zwar Weltmeister, doch der SM Titel bei der Elite fehlte noch in seinem Palmares. Auch er war hungrig auf Gold. Da beide fürs SCOTT-Swisspower Team starten, erwarteten einige Zuschauer eine Stallorder des Teams. Dem war aber nicht so. Beide wollten das Rennen „fair and square“ ausfahren. Dass der neue Meister nur einer der Beiden sein konnte war schon nach einer der 9 Runden absehbar. Setzte sich doch das Duo schon vom Start weg ab. In der Verfolgung kämpften Lukas Flückiger (Trek), Martin Gujan (Canondale) und ein kämpferisch fahrender Marcel Wildhaber um Bronze. Flückiger setzte sich schliesslich klar durch. Marcel musste zwar Fabian Giger (Rabobank) noch den Vortritt lassen, beendete das Rennen jedoch auf dem für ihn sehr guten 5. Platz.

Sattelwechsel in Formel 1 tempo

An der Spitze sahen die zahlreichen Zuschauer ein Kopf an Kopf Rennen zwischen Flo & Nino. Dieses wurde jedoch in der vierten Runden durch den Bruch von Florians Sattel unterbrochen. Flo musste eine halbe Runde ohne Sattel zurücklegen bevor ihm unser gut vorbereitete Mechaniker Erwin Wildhaber in der Tech Zone Sattel mit Stütze im Rekordtempo von 18 Sekunden ersetzte. Dies war der ganze Rückstand der sich Florian durch diesen Zwischenfall einhandelte. Erwin hat somit auch eine Goldmedaille verdient! Nino zeigte seinem „Rivalen“ grosse Fairness indem er keinen Profit aus dem Pech von Flo schlug und diesen wieder aufschliessen liess. Respekt! Die Rundenzeit zeigte jedoch, dass Nino nicht gerade warten musste. Diese war nämlich gleich wie die anderen Runden. Will heissen dass vor allem Florian durch den Defekt einen extra Effort leisten musste um im Titelrennen zu bleiben. Vielleicht war es auch dieser, welcher am Ende Match entscheidend war. Es kam nämlich zu einem Sprint Finish bei dem Nino das bessere Ende für sich behielt. Beide hätten den Titel verdient, doch ein Meistertrikot gibt es eben nur für einen.

Souveräner Nachwuchs

Weniger spannend aber gerade so erfreulich für unser Team waren die Rennen von Roger Walder und Andri Frischknecht. Sie wurden ihrer Favoritenrolle gerecht und bestimmten das Rennen mit grossem Vorsprung souverän. Innert Wochenfrist darf sich nun Roger Junioren Europa-und Schweizermeister nennen. Andri schaffte es in zwei Radsportdisziplinen ( Rad-Quer/ MTB) U17 Schweizermeister zu werden.

Einzig bei den U23 waren wir nicht erfolgreich. EM-Bronzemedaillengewinner Patrik Gallati gab das Rennen auf. Matthias Rupp wurde lediglich 9.

Welt Cup Champèry

Am kommenden Sonntag findet in Champèry das einzige Welt Cup Rennen in der Schweiz statt. Dieses ist zugleich Hauptprobe für die im nächsten Jahr statt findenden Weltmeisterschaften. Eine Woche später ist das Welt Cup Rennen in Val di Sole, Italien.

Cross Country Schweizermeisterschaften 2010

Elite
1. SCHURTER Nino 1986 Chur Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing 1:40:42,9
2. VOGEL Florian 1982 Rapperswil-Jona Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing +0:02,0
3. FLÜCKIGER Lukas 1984 Leimiswil 23 deegres/Trek +2:48,7
4. GIGER Fabian 1987 Rieden Rabobank-Giant Offroad Team +4:04,1
5. WILDHABER Marcel 1985 Wangen Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing +4:55,3
6. GUJAN Martin 1982 Andwil Cannondale Factory Racing +5:25,8
7. KAUFMANN Lukas 1987 Gränichen Trek Brentjens- Milka +5:37,8
8. ROHRBACH Nicola 1986 Langenbruck SRM Stevens +10:08,9
9. SCHMUTZ Pascal 1987 Riehen Corratec World Team +11:53,5
10. MOOS Alexandre 1972 Miege BMC Racing Team +11:53,6

U23 Herren
1. FLÜCKIGER Mathias 1988 Ochlenberg 23 deegres/Trek 1:32:25,9
2. LITSCHER Thomas 1989 Thal MIG-Bike-Team +0:39,1
3. FANGER Martin 1988 Ennetmoos Giant-Swiss-Team +1:53,6

Junioren
1. WALDER Roger 1992 Wil ZH Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing 1:31:34,4
2. KOSTER Claude 1992 Rüfenacht MTB Cycletech Racing Team +2:20,2
3. PAUMANN Fabian 1992 Rupperswil Merida Suisse Team +2:41,7

U17 Knaben
1. FRISCHKNECHT Andri 1994 Feldbach VC Eschenbach Hakle 1:06:55,7
2. GUERRINI Marcel 1994 Neuhaus SG Energie MTB Team +1:46,6
3. GRAB Dominic 1995 Ebmatingen Grab Radsport / VC Maur +2:00,0

Battle in Bourg-les-Valence

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:10:14 -0600

Mark Cavendish today took his third win of the 2010 Tour de France. On the long, straight run into Bourg-les-Valence , the battle lines were drawn between the big sprinters’ teams, Lampre, Garmin, Sky, and HTC-Columbia. It looked like anyone’s race as the peloton dashed under the red kite with one kilometer to go.

Team Sky looked to be making a push on the front before an amalgamated train of Lampre and HTC-Columbia drove to the fore. Bernard Eisel took the front of the race for HTC-Columbia to drag Renshaw and Cavendish clear of the pack. Garmin’s Julien Dean barged to the front to challenge Mark Renshaw for the final leadout, but Renshaw showed him why he is the best in the business.

With four hundred fifty meters to go, Renshaw literally beat back the assault of the encroaching Dean and cleared a gap for his man Cavendish. Cavendish, seeing daylight along the barriers, launched his attack with three hundred seventy-five meters to go. Having no choice but to go for the long one, Cav gave it his best dig and showed true grit to hold off his rivals Petacchi and Farrar for his third win of the Tour. “It was a really hard sprint, very long,” Cavendish reported. “I have been really suffering in this heat, but I wanted to win this team. My third stage win here shows that I am the best sprinter in this Tour. We want to get to Paris to try to win again on the Champs-Elysees.”

In spite of the fantastic win the team was left with a bittersweet taste after the day's results were announced. The race commissionaires made the decision to disqualify Renshaw from the Tour for the way he defended his position during the final lead out of the sprint.

Normann Stadlers new Plasma3

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 6:30:11 -0600

Normann Stadler on the brand new Plasma 3 at Challenge Roth

It’s time for a new weapon for the “Norminator”: The TT-machine of Team HTC-Columbia is now triathlon-ready and so the current world record over 180km (4:14:16 hours) is in danger. Normann Stadler is ready for attacking at Challenge Roth upcoming weekend and Scott provided him the bike for that reason.

„It will be a fight between the young and the experienced triathlon generation. I’m looking forward to that and I’ve done my homework. The Scott Plasma3 is a phenomenal racer. All tests were excellent. But finally it’s still me where the power comes from”, comments Normann Stadler.

The key features of the Plasma3 Premium

Plasma 3 HMX-NET IMP Technology, SRAM RED, ZIPP 808/1080 wheelset, Profile Prosvet base bar with T2+ carbon aero bar / PLASMA3 PREMIUM FRAMESET Black/Grey matte color, 40mm rise stem, compatible with cable-actuated drivetrains.

1. Aerodynamic shape combined with structural performance
- Drag optimized profile on all tube sections
- All tubes meet UCI-legal 3:1 ratios

2. Fully integrated frame and stem system
- Toptube and stem continuity
- 40mm rise stem
- Stem available in 75mm or 90mm lengths, additional rise can be attained with aero bar/pad spacing. Integrated cable routing

3. Twin Turbo oversized chainstays
- Integrated rear brake
- Integrated bottom bracket

4. Adjustable Seatpost

- adjustable seat clamp allows for adjustment between 73-80º of seat tube angle