This is the first chapter in a series of videos that will follow Nicolas Vouilloz throughout the 2013 racing season and beyond, and let’s just say we’re already hooked and dying to see the next instalment. The skills that the man has, and his professionalism, never cease to amaze us. There will only ever be one Nico and he’s as relevant today as he always has been.

This first video takes you to Nico’s home trail in France, and then across the border to San Romolo, Italy, to test the optimal SRAM wheel setup for the upcoming enduro racing season…

Nicolas Vouilloz – The relentless pursuit of balance – SRAM MTB Wheels

After 10 World Champion titles and 5 overall World Cup wins, Nicolas Vouilloz still wants to be and feel fast. A different kind of fast, perhaps. While racing DH, Nico was known for his unconventional and extreme equipment choices, he is now getting ready for the first Enduro World Series season. A riding style that requires a different bike setup, a discipline where racing is spread over an entire day, with many stages and kilometers of riding. Because of these differences, gone are the days of ridiculously low spoke tension, or extreme suspension setups. Nico now makes choices based on a balance of factors such as weight, efficiency and durability. These choices allow Nico to be his fastest and a true pleasure to witness riding.

After being the most successful male mountain biker of all times, and a rally car racing champion, Nico now embarks on the next phase of his competitive life. This time, in the pursuit of balance.

Video: SRAM/Victor Lucas
Photos: SRAM/Simon Cittati