The second round of the XC World Cup just went down in Albstadt, Germany, where unlike in years past, riders were treated to a dry course. Nino Schurter (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) and Rebecca McConnell (PMG Racing Team) both had the Number One plate hanging off their bikes after a phenomenal start to the season in Petropolis. With the XCC on Friday and then the XCO on Sunday, riders geared up for a fierce battle for early season points.

The short track (XCC) format is a fan favorite, with a much shorter course and faster laps than the cross-country (XCO) race. This makes for lots of lead changes and athletes pushing their limits the whole way through. In the men’s race, Nino Schurter showed Petropolis was no fluke, slotting into third place. Rebecca McConnell carried her momentum into Albstadt, winning her first XCC race ever.

On Sunday, the XCO had many exciting moments. Looking absolutely unstoppable, McConnell took the win AGAIN, rounding out an undefeated week. But the good results for Maxxis athletes didn’t stop there – Schurter got on the podium for the FOURTH time this year, picking up second place in the Albstadt main event.

With the way things are going, Maxxis is set to have an incredible season of World Cup XC racing. Don’t miss the next round in Nové Město na Moravě, May 13-15!

Imagery: Michal Cerveny, Remy Fabregue, Francisco Bandin