Mathieu van der Poel analyzes retiring MTB legend Nino Schurter after kind words: "What makes him so good?"

In a post on social media, Schurter explained why he will stop as a professional mountain biker after 2025: “For the past two decades, I’ve given my body, my mind and my soul to mountain biking. A beautiful sport, but also brutal at pro level. It's all or nothing,” said the man who became world champion no fewer than ten (!) times.

The 39-year-old Swiss also became European champion and won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Olympic Games. “It's been one hell of a ride, but now it’s time. Time to let my mind breathe, and to spend more moments with the people who have supported me through it all.”

Mathieu van der Poel took the time to respond to Schurter’s post with a short and clear statement: “Legend.” He added a picture of a goat, referring to the popular term “the GOAT,” aka Greatest of All Time.

Schurter, in turn, replied to the Dutchman’s message. “Proud to have had the honor of racing against you, legend. See you in Crans Montana,” said the Swiss, referring to the World Championships on September 14.

On Sunday, Van der Poel confirmed to IDLProCycling.com that the World Championships are indeed on his schedule after the Renewi Tour and the World Cup in Les Gets. In Etten-Leur, we asked the Dutchman - who is now picking up mountain biking again - about Schurter’s retirement. “The most special thing about him is the length of his career. That’s very impressive. Ten times world champion… that’s quite something,” Van der Poel said with respect in his voice.

The Dutchman fought plenty of duels with Schurter and explained what made the Swiss such an icon. “What makes him so good? Technically, he’s excellent. And physically: he’s muscular, solid, but not too big. His weight is still pretty okay, but he’s very explosive, and because of that low weight he’s also a strong climber.”