51 teams from 5 nations took part in the Aflenzer Winterclassic Version 014 and were delighted with the course and the helpfulness of the participants and local residents.
Despite the mild winter, the race director once again chose some wonderful passages through the deep forests and gorges of Styria and Carinthia.
The special stages Sommerau, Theklamühle, Herzogberg and of course the classics such as Hiaselegg, Alpl and Raabklamm were particularly popular with the participants.
Trees and other obstacles
From time to time a tree impeded the forward momentum. After some discussion with the locals, these were quickly cleared away, as the Aflenzer keeps the time running and neutralized special stages are the exception.
On the road with just a map
The participants in the Aflenzer Winterclassic only use maps and in times of "navigation systems" there are always a few teams who don't guess north at the top of the map or turn right instead of left, contrary to the instructions on the map. This can happen. That's why the Aflenzer is only measured in minutes and hours, as it would be pointless to check averages on the Aflenzer and the teams wouldn't even want to.
However, there will always be improvements, as the Winterclasic is a living, adaptive organism.
Satisfied winners
All those who overcame the hardships are among the winners. And the residents and the organization can also feel like winners.
The real winners, however, were the winners of the group rankings:
- Blue (pre-war): Chris Dravec / Walter on Sieberer Alvis DKC 731 from 1936
- Green (until 1979): Pius Weckerle / Othmar Schlager in a 1969 Porsche 914/6
- Red (from 1980): Peter Pungersek / Roland Pungersek in a BMW325 iX from 1985
More information can be found on the Aflenzer Winterclassic website.
The complete list of results
