Swatch Nines entered a bold new chapter as Swatch Nines Bike 2026 brought together BMX and mountain biking on the same playground for the first time. The groundbreaking event, held from 15-20 June in Sölden, Austria, delivered spectacular riding, historic collaborations and some of the most memorable moments in the event’s history.
Formerly known as Swatch Nines MTB, the event has evolved into a multi-discipline celebration of action sports, uniting the world’s best BMX and mountain bike athletes in a relaxed, non-competitive environment designed to inspire creativity and progression.
More than 70 riders from 12 countries gathered in the Austrian Alps for a week that showcased what can happen when two of the world’s most exciting cycling disciplines come together.
A Historic BMX and MTB Crossover
For decades, BMX and mountain biking have influenced one another while largely existing in separate spaces. Swatch Nines Bike changed that by creating one of the most significant crossovers in action sports.
The BMX contingent featured stars such as eight-time X Games gold medalist Kevin Peraza (USA), Olympic silver medalist Perris Benegas (USA) and Scottish legend Kriss Kyle. They joined mountain bike icons including Szymon Godziek (POL), Sam Pilgrim (GBR) and women’s freeride pioneer Casey Brown, creating one of the strongest athlete line-ups in the event’s history.
Young Stars Steal the Spotlight
While established legends were present throughout the week, it was the next generation that stole the show.
Sixteen-year-old Harry Schofield (GBR) amazed spectators by switching effortlessly between Slopestyle, Freeride and BMX bikes. His run down the Slopestyle course on a brakeless BMX, featuring a Double Backflip and a Bike Flip, left even seasoned BMX riders stunned.
Meanwhile, 11-year-old sensation Weston Lukens (USA) impressed the crowd with fearless riding, including a spectacular Backflip Can on the event’s biggest jump.
The performances served as a reminder that the future of BMX and mountain biking is already arriving.
British Riders Dominate Awards
Following five days of incredible riding, athletes gathered for the closing gala and Rider Awards, where peers voted for the standout performances of the week.
Great Britain dominated the awards, securing six of the nine categories. Veronique Sandler and Sam Hodgson claimed the Female and Male MVP honours, capping a memorable week for one of cycling’s most admired power couples.
Swatch Nines Bike 2026 Rider Awards
- New Nine: Dan Paley (GBR)
- Best Slope Line: Harry Schofield (GBR)
- Best Freeride Line: Bienvenido Aguado (ESP) & Tom Isted (GBR)
- Best Trick, Female BMX: Esme Morris (GBR)
- Best Trick, Male BMX: Dean Florian (GER)
- Best Trick, Female MTB: Johanna Nussbaumer (GER)
- Best Trick, Male MTB: Christian Arehart (USA)
- Female MVP: Veronique Sandler (GBR)
- Male MVP: Sam Hodgson (GBR)
Athletes Celebrate a New Era
Kevin Peraza described the inclusion of BMX as an official discipline as “unreal,” saying the event had created new friendships and a sense of family between BMX and mountain biking communities.
Sam Reynolds praised the venue as a “dream playground brought to life,” highlighting the unique atmosphere created by bringing together the world’s best athletes from multiple disciplines.
Casey Brown called the event a “melting pot of creativity, progression and inspiration,” while Dean Florian described it as “probably the best event ever” in his life.
Female MVP Veronique Sandler praised Swatch Nines as the ultimate environment for progression and creativity, while Male MVP Sam Hodgson said being voted MVP was completely unexpected and expressed gratitude for having such a unique canvas to showcase his art on two wheels.
With BMX and mountain biking finally sharing the same stage, Swatch Nines Bike 2026 has set a new benchmark for action sports events and opened an exciting new chapter for the future of freestyle cycling.
