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Swatch Nines entered a new era in Sölden, Austria last week as BMX and Mountain Biking shared the same playground for the first time. The result was a week of groundbreaking riding, unexpected collaborations and some of the most talked-about moments in the event’s history.
The occasion also marked the launch of the event’s new identity: Swatch Nines Bike. Formerly known as Swatch Nines MTB, the event has evolved from a gathering of the world’s best freestyle mountain bikers into a multi-discipline showcase bringing together mountain biking and BMX in a relaxed, non-competitive environment.
From 15–20 June, Sölden hosted the first Swatch Nines Bike featuring both sports side by side. More than 70 athletes from 12 countries converged on the Austrian Alps for a week that showcased what’s possible when two worlds collide.
MTB MEETS BMX: A HISTORIC MEETING OF THE MINDS
For decades, mountain biking and BMX have traveled parallel paths, influencing one another while largely operating in separate spheres. Last week, Swatch Nines Bike hosted one of the most significant crossovers yet between the two disciplines.
Leading the BMX contingent were stars including eight-time X Games gold medalist Kevin Peraza (USA), Olympic silver medalist Perris Benegas (USA) and legendary Scottish rider Kriss Kyle. They joined mountain bike icons such as Red Bull Rampage podium finisher Szymon Godziek (POL), former FMB World Champion Sam Pilgrim (GBR) and women’s freeride pioneer Casey Brown (CAN/NZ), creating one of the most diverse and accomplished fields ever assembled at Nines.
Clemens Kaudela and George Ntavoutian
Kevin Peraza
Esmeralda Morris
YOUNG TALENT STEALS THE SHOW
While the roster featured legends and veterans from both disciplines, it was the youngest athletes who captured much of the attention throughout the week. Sixteen-year-old Harry Schofield (GBR) stunned spectators with his versatility, seamlessly switching between Slopestyle, Freeride and BMX bikes. His descent of the Slopestyle course on a brakeless BMX bike—which included a Double Backflip and a Bike Flip—left even veteran BMX insiders in disbelief.
Meanwhile, 11-year-old prodigy Weston Lukens (USA) turned heads with remarkable feats of his own, including a Backflip Can on the biggest jump of the course.
Heads up—the next generation has a next generation.
Harry Schofield
BRITISH DOMINANCE AT THE RIDER AWARDS
After five days of nonstop action, the athletes gathered on Saturday, 20 June, for the closing gala and Rider Awards, where the week’s standout performers were recognized through a peer vote.
Great Britain dominated the awards, claiming six of the nine categories. Veronique Sandler and Sam Hodgson – the head builder of the MTB course—earned the Female and Male MVP honors, marking a heartwarming triumph for one of biking’s most beloved power couples.
Veronique Sandler
Sam Hodgson
SWATCH NINES BIKE 2026 RIDERS AWARDS
New Nine: Dan Paley
Best Slope Line: Harry Schofield on a brakeless BMX
Best Freeride Line: Bienvenido Aguado and Tom Isted
Best Trick, Female BMX: Esme Morris – Barspin in, Barspin out on a trampoline
Best trick, Male BMX: Dean Florian – Vader Slide to 4x Footjam Whip
Best Trick, Female MTB: Johanna Nussbaumer – Backflip Double Barspin
Best Trick, Male MTB: Christian Arehart – Cash Roll Tailwhip Barspin
Female MVP: Veronique Sandler
Male MVP: Sam Hodgson
Bienvenido Aguado
Dean Florian
Photos by Ethan Stone, Theo Acworth and George Marshall.
