Mountain race La Berra: restart in one year
RETURN TO THE SM CALENDAR For the first time since 2015, the La Roche-La Berra mountain race will be held again in exactly one year. It will also be the first SM race on the mountain after almost two years. The mountain race in the picturesque Gruyère region will continue to be organized by the Association des Courses Automobiles Fribourgeoises (ACAF). Behind it, however, are partly new people, as [...]
The mountain race in the picturesque Gruyère region will continue to be organized by the Association des Courses Automobiles Fribourgeoises (ACAF). Behind it, however, are partly new people, as the association has announced via a local newspaper report published on its Facebook page.
Race experienced race management
At the head of the new organizing committee is Marcel Magnin. The member of Ecurie Sporting from Romont knows racing as a long-time driver in the group E1 up to two liters and speaks both French and German. Race director will be Romain Ducret, supported by Hans Pfeuti, who is also very experienced in racing and bilingual.
According to Magnin's statements, all the licensing authorities, the villagers of La Roche and local residents are in favor of the return of this event. More than ever, local companies and associations should be involved.
Second forced break
The mountain race was held for the first time in 1981. After a few bad weather races in September, there was a first break in 2007 and 2008 before La Roche-La Berra returned to the Swiss calendar in summer 2009.
So far, the last day's winner on the 3500-meter track on July 5, 2015 was Joël Volluz on Osella FA30, before organizational problems led to another forced break. In the same year, the Valais native won four more SM rounds, but it was still only enough for the runner-up title behind Eric Berguerand in the Lola-Cosworth.
The course record has been held since 2013 by Geneva's Julien Ducommun on Osella in 1'41.13 (124.6 km/h).
Season opener 2021
The date reserved for the return after six years is the weekend of June 5/6, 2021. The 34th edition will also be the prelude to next year's Swiss hillclimb championship. The Hemberg hill climb will take place two weeks later, Reitnau three weeks later.
As a reminder, the last mountain race ever to count towards the Swiss Mountain Championship was Châtel-St-Denis-Les Paccots on the third weekend of September last year. At that time, no one could have imagined that this would be the last mountain championship race for more than 20 months...
