Mountain sprint: Eric Berguerand as demo rider 🎥
REVIVAL IN WALZENHAUSEN For the fifth time, the Bergsprint Walzenhausen recalls the former mountain race on Lake Constance. The focus is on historic cars - but with Eric Berguerand, the current leader of the Berg-SM is at the start. Around 200 historic race cars and motorcycles are expected at the start in Walzenhausen this coming weekend. The first new edition of the [...]
Around 200 historic racing cars and motorcycles are expected at the start in Walzenhausen this coming weekend. The first new edition of the mountain race with a view of Lake Constance, which was held until 1986, took place in 2007, then every three years again. As with the also periodically conducted mountain race Steckborn-Eichhölzli, GP Mutschellen, the mountain test Altbüron or the Ollon-Villars Historique, however, there is no timing at the Bergsprint Walzenhausen.
Nevertheless, the participants will step on the gas to create a real racing atmosphere. Especially since there are quite a few drivers among the many historic vehicles who are otherwise competing in the current Swiss championship. Some of them will forego participation in the St-Ursanne-Les Rangiers hill climb.
Berguerand starts in Walzenhausen instead of Saint-Ursanne
Leading the way is Eric Berguerand, who has not yet been beaten in any Swiss hillclimb race in 2019, but has never raced there again since his serious accident at the European Championship race in the Jura in anno 2007. The organizing club Bergsprint Walzenhausen succeeded in getting the man from the Valais to take part in rapid demonstrations in the Lola-Cosworth FA99 he developed himself. His dad Louis had an accident three weeks ago in Anzère, where he suffered a complicated open fracture of the arm. But the senior's state of health no longer gives cause for concern, so that son Eric promises his appearance.
History and present
The transition from the past to the modern era is also demonstrated by the example of Lukas Eugster, who is among the fastest in the Swiss Slalom Championship with the Ligier Honda sports car. Among the drivers with historic racing cars, the names of Fredy Amweg, Fredy Lienhard, Roger Moser and local hero Erwin Steingruber stand out. They bring fast Formula 2 racing cars from the time of the Walzenhausen-Lachen mountain race to the starting line.
Canton Appenzell and/or Jura?
Spectators with a penchant for hillclimb racing are therefore spoilt for choice as to whether they head to eastern Switzerland or northwestern Switzerland. Practically speaking, both are possible, as the Saturday program in Walzenhaus is repeated on Sunday, so no one misses out when they watch the racing action live in the presence of the European elite in the Jura on Sunday.
The complete start list, the schedule for both days and much more information can be found on the very well put up and informative homepage.
