32" wheels get first race win with Cape Epic stage

The nascent 32-inch mountain bike wheel standard has officially claimed its first major victory, with Nino Schurter and Sebastian Fini piloting their Scott Spark RC bikes equipped with these oversized hoops to a stage win at the notoriously demanding Cape Epic. This milestone comes barely a year after Maxxis introduced the first performance 32-inch tyre, the Aspen, marking a significant step for a wheel size that was, until recently, largely theoretical.

This development is more than just a fleeting headline; it represents a potential paradigm shift in elite cross-country mountain biking. Historically, the sport has seen a contentious evolution from 26-inch to 29-inch wheels, with the latter eventually dominating due to superior roll-over capabilities. The 32-inch standard, offering even greater momentum and obstacle clearance, has been met with skepticism regarding agility and weight. However, Schurter's endorsement and now a Cape Epic stage victory lend considerable credibility, suggesting that the industry may be on the cusp of another wheel-size arms race.

While production bikes and components remain scarce, Schurter's win at Cape Epic will undoubtedly accelerate development. One can almost hear the collective groans from bike shops and consumers anticipating yet another 'must-have' standard.