Once a year, cyclists have to share the track with classic cars and motorcycles on the Oerlikon open velodrome. And it is no coincidence that a particularly large number of visitors come to witness this spectacle.
Large crowd
Around 5200 visitors came to the Nudeltopf north of Zurich despite the extreme heat.
The open racecourse has a long history dating back to 1912. Major cycling races have been held here, including seven world championships. Racers such as Ferdy Kübler, Hugo Koblet and Urs Freuler rode in Oerlikon. But only in good weather conditions. Because as soon as it rains, the risk of crashing in the 40 degree banked curves of the 333.3 meter long oval increases dramatically. This is why "Indianapols Oerlikon", as the classic car event is also known, can only be held in good weather conditions.
Shade in demand
However, there was no rain on July 23, 2019, on the contrary. Temperatures of over 30 degrees made visitors to the Rennoval seek out the few shady spots, the consumption of liquids became mandatory and a hat a valuable utensil.
The heat also took its toll on the racing cars, but the bumpy concrete surface of the track and the enormous forces in the steep bends were also a major challenge.
With Bugatti
One of the drivers taking part was Caroline Bugatti, the granddaughter of Ettore Bugatti, who did her laps around the oval in a Type 43 from 1929.
Her husband also tried his hand at oval racing, driving a three-wheeled Darmont from 1934.
Two more Bugatti cars completed the "pre-war racing and sports car field".
Indycars attraction
Real Indycars (as well as US Sprint Cars) naturally also belong in an oval and ...
... Accordingly, these vehicles, which are mainly from the pre-war era, are a special attraction every time.
Three times on the track
Each participant in the nine starting fields, divided into two-, three- and four-wheelers as well as eras and vehicle types, was allowed to take to the circuit three times.
In between, the cyclists provided a spectacle by whizzing around the bends at only slightly slower speeds. For once, there was a totally peaceful atmosphere between the cyclists and motorists, perhaps also because they naturally used the routes separately.
Unfortunately, one of the guests of honor, Swiss motorcycle racer Randy Krummenacher, was unable to attend as he is still recovering from a crash.
Satisfied faces
Despite the heat and scorching sun, there were almost only happy and smiling faces to be seen in Oerlikon. Anyone who has never been should make a note of the date in July 2020. The event will of course be announced again on Zwischengas.
