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 (USA), creating one of the most diverse and accomplished fields ever assembled at Nines.
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.
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.
Swatch Nines Bike 2026 Riders Awards:
- New Nine: Dan Paley (GBR)
- Best Slope Line: Harry Schofield (GBR) on a brakeless BMX
- Best Freeride Line: Bienvenido Aguado (ESP) & Tom Isted (GBR)
- Best Trick, Female BMX: Esme Morris (GBR) – Barspin in, barspin out on a trampoline
- Best trick, Male BMX: Dean Florian (GER) – Vader Slide to 4x Footjam Whip
- Best Trick, Female MTB: Johanna Nussbaumer (GER) – Backflip Double Barspin
- Best Trick, Male MTB: Christian Arehart (USA) – Cash Roll Tailwhip Barspin
- Female MVP: Veronique Sandler (GBR)
- Male MVP: Sam Hodgson (GBR)
Quotes:
Swatch Nines having BMX as an official discipline at the event is unreal. When you surround yourself with greatness, magical things happen, and the Nines is exactly one of those places. For the Nines to welcome us with open arms, the BMX community to the mountain bike community, one big family, different toys, same passion… It’s absolutely unreal to me. It’s the best and I feel like we’ve won. We’ve gained more friends, more family and this is only the beginning.
Kevin Peraza
The setup at Swatch Nines feels like something straight out of a video game—a dream playground brought to life. From the massive freeride features to the slopestyle course and the new BMX plaza, there’s something for every style of riding. Bringing together the world’s best athletes across disciplines creates a unique atmosphere of creativity and progression, making Swatch Nines an important showcase for action sports.
Sam Reynolds
Swatch Nines brings together young talents, legends of the sport and athletes from different disciplines, creating a unique melting pot of creativity, progression and inspiration. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive, and having so many generations and styles of riding in one place makes it one of the most inspiring events in mountain biking.
Casey Brown
Swatch Nines has probably been the best event ever in my life. Just this setting where we’re at, riding bikes and hanging out with cool people, and that all these sports come together as one is so cool. And now Kevin Peraza handing out the Best Trick award to me… honestly, just hanging out with Kevin is all I ever wanted, and then him giving me that award, like—I don’t know what to say. I’m honestly speechless, I’m just so happy.
Dean Florian
I feel extremely honored to receive this award. Honestly, I feel like everyone here deserves it. It’s been an insane week, it’s been so inspiring watching everyone left right and center just shredding all around me, and that’s what pushed me to hit some jumps. I just had the best time with my mates, so I’m super super stoked on it. I’ve been at the Nines every year for the past five years, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I love it. It’s such a blank canvas for anyone to come here and be creative and do what they want, and there’s no pressure. You can ride at any time of the day, you can ride anything you want, you can ride skatepark, you can ride a slope line, you can do whatever you want. And everyone will be there supporting you, and filming you, and it’s just the ultimate playground for progression in my opinion.
Veronique Sandler
Being voted MVP was the last thing I expected, but it feels completely amazing. There’s so many people that inspire me at this event, and I’m just here to elevate them. I’m so grateful to Sölden, to the Nines, to everyone. I’m just so happy to have this canvas to do my art.
Sam Hodgson
I can’t believe I won this award, honestly. This whole event has been something that I’ve looked up for so many years, and to get an invite to come here was one massive achievement. And then to be receiving an award—it’s just absolutely insane, I cannot believe it. The level of riding of everyone, men, women, everyone went absolutely in. I’m so honored to be here.
Dan Paley
About Swatch Nines
Swatch Nines is a friendly antagonist to the world of competitive sports. With unique formats and venues that draw top athletes, filmmakers and photographers, the Nines celebrates human talent and creativity while channelling the original untamed spirit of action sports. Ever evolving to meet the needs of the culture, the Swatch Nines experience now spans three cornerstones of action sports: Snow, Surf and Bike.
Official website: thenines.cc
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