Gaisbergrennen 2011 - the mountain is calling!
06/04/2011
The second day of this year's Gaisbergrennen consisted of scoring runs on the Gaisberg on the one hand and a scoring drive, i.e. a rally-like drive through the Salzkammergut, on the other.
In the early morning, the Gaisberg was still partly shrouded in thick fog. Typical Gaisberg weather, as the event in the twenties and sixties had already repeatedly attracted attention with capricious weather, rain and fog. In the paddock at the foot of the Gaisberg, however, the first rays of sunshine were already warming up the still partly damp vehicles.
The route up the Gaisberg has it all: long straights, serpentine passages, two hairpin bends, steep inclines, long, fast bends - it has it all. To achieve a top place in the rankings, you have to ride up the mountain in as close to 10 minutes as possible. If you reach the top in less than 10 minutes, you receive 10,000 penalty points; if you are slower, penalty points are awarded per time unit. Many riders therefore used the tried and tested tactic of riding smoothly up to the Zistelalm, waiting there and then riding the last section of the route in a previously agreed time. But beware, a specified average speed, e.g. 47.7 km/h, also had to be adhered to as precisely as possible in the finish area. Calculation and driving skills were required.
As the course dried out, the participants in the afternoon had optimal conditions. This tempted a few good-humored riders not to take the ten-minute time limit too seriously and to cross the finish line much faster. At the top of the mountain, the field of riders gathered again and, once everyone was there, were led down. Until the descent, the riders were able to enjoy the fantastic view if the fog didn't get in the way, as it did in the morning.
The comparatively large number of women's teams represented at this year's Gaisberg race was pleasing. Above all, the two women on the badly battered-looking 1949 Allard M were able to inspire the audience. It was important for the two ladies to note that the Allard was not a poorly repaired old car, but a racing car with a real patina.
One half of the participants took it in turns to drive the special stage, around 130 km through the Salzkammergut. The route was obviously well chosen and the teams of two reported beautiful landscapes and a speedy but not rushed course. In any case, at the gala evening in Hellbrunn Castle, there were almost only satisfied, if somewhat tired, faces to be seen.
