XCO ELITE MEN

Let’s not beat around the bush with this event. The only question is can anybody beat the legendary Nino Schurter? And the answer is… probably not.

The Swiss roller has claimed four of the last five World Championships and four World Cup titles since 2010, plus last year’s Olympic gold for good measure. And he started this season with five straight WC wins to suggest that another major title could be a mere formality in Cairns barring a crash or mechanical disaster.

In recent seasons Schurter has at least been pushed hard by arch-rival Julien Absalon, but the Frenchman suffered a broken collarbone following a crash in training in June to disrupt his season and preparations for the World Champs. But if he can get fully fit by the time he touches down in Queensland, Absalon would remain a real threat – even at the age of 37.

Former cyclocross world champion Mathieu van der Poel, still only 22, has been a revelation in 2017 – but the Dutchman has still only been able to see Schurter’s back wheel (often disappearing into the distance).

Local fans will no doubt be cheering on former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Dan McConnell, who hails from Victoria, and he could go well if he can put in a repeat of the performance at the 2014 World Cup in Cairns when he finished fourth – just four seconds off a podium place.

Expect also to hear a fair few Kiwis cheering on their young hope Anton Cooper. The 22-year-old is a former Under-23 and junior world champion and proved that he can compete at elite level when he claimed third place in the World Cup event at Albstadt back in May – less than a minute behind the mighty Schurter.