While living in Switzerland surely has its advantages for a professional mountain biker, some seasonal disadvantages do present themselves. For SCOTT Odlo MTB, the arrival of snow brings with it the migration south, in this case, to South Africa. For the last several years the team has been holding their pre-season camp in and around Stellenbosch, taking advantage of the prime riding weather, scenic roads and climbs, and everything else the area has to offer.

Getting a good base for the upcoming season is essential, and the adopted cyclist mecca is the perfect place to do so.

Though the life of a world class athlete seems like a fairytale, certain elements or discomforts are unavoidable. Any cyclist who has ever travelled with their bike can tell you that it can quickly become a hassle. For a team, the complexity increases. Bikes, gear, tools, cameras, you name it. As N1NO states, the planes ability to take off is definitely in the back of their minds.

Every April, the MTB world descends upon the coastal area of Santa Cruz, California for Sea Otter. For SCOTT Odlo MTB, this is no different. Though it is the ideal location to go ride your bike, the team is here to put in work, and putting in work is just what they will do.

No, the field isn’t the most competitive, nor is the race the most technical, but when that number plate is on his bike, N1NO only has one ambition, winning. Warm temperatures, breakneck speeds, variable surfaces- these races provide a good early test of fitness, endurance and strength. Four wins in four races for Jenny and N1NO- a good start indeed.

Though a champion at the highest level he may be, rest assured, N1NO is just like you and me. Having picked up a drone while in California, the Swiss reminds us that he is a professional when it comes to having fun as well. Success in this sport is all about balance, this is perhaps where N1NO excels better than the rest. There is a time for work,  and there is certainly a time for play.

With the first few races out of the way, the focus turns to the 2015 World Cup season, and eventually to the World Championships. As a pre-Olympic year, winning and building added confidence is of the utmost importance. "Everything we do in 2015 has just one goal: to be the most fit possible for the Olympic Race in Rio in 2016."

Here we go.

"Everything we do in 2015 has just one goal: to be the most fit possible for the Olympic Race in Rio in 2016."

Nino Schurter

Photography: Jochen Haar, Gary Perkin