Next weekend it’s that time again: The Austrian cycling elite will be pedaling at the Braunauer Radsporttage. For the 24th time, the top athletes are doing their rounds on two wheels in the district capital. The OÖ Nachrichten are also part of the party this year as a media partner. The organization team from the ARBÖ Radclub Braunau around Erwin Hörtl is already in the middle of the preparations. A total of 40 helpers lend a hand to ensure that the cycling days run smoothly.
As in the past two years, the starting signal is given with the Raiffeisen children’s race, where children can also start with their balance bikes and put their cycling talent to the test. The children’s races with pedal bikes take place in three age groups (born 2008-2010, 2011-2013, 2014-2016) in front of the town hall. Helmets are compulsory for all children. In addition, liability insurance must also be presented on the day of the race. The prize for each participant is a medal and a free ice cream. Last year almost 50 children were out and about in downtown Braunau. Organizer Erwin Hörtl hopes for a similar number of participants.
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“First and foremost, I’m looking forward to the children’s race because it’s important to us to get the kids involved in sports and, of course, in cycling,” says Hörtl. After the youngsters have completed their races, the hunt for the trophies begins. At 4:20 p.m., the amateur riders will start, fighting for the first title of the day over 15 laps over a total of 18.5 kilometers.
German champions at the start
The highlights follow with the women’s cup race at 5 p.m., which is not only about points in the Austrian Bundesliga, but also about the Upper Austrian championship title. At 6 p.m., the elite, U23 and junior riders will start their battle for medals, which traditionally will be quick. Because on average, the cyclists will race through the city at 47 kilometers per hour. “We will therefore have to switch off the stationary radar device,” says Hörtl with a wink. Possible “lightning candidates” include Jonas Schmeisser and Dario Raps from RSV Kempten, both of whom were allowed to call themselves German criteria champions in their careers. But the Austrian league clubs are also capable of top positions. Among others, the drivers of the Felbermayr Simplon Wels team will be at the start. The field of participants will also be supplemented by teams from Hungary and the Czech Republic.
What is certain is that many spectators will line the side of the track again. Also on Sunday in Ranshofen, where the road race will take place over 10 laps and a distance of 130 kilometers starting from the Schlossberg. For the first time in the history of the cycling days, the juniors will also pedal here.
Registration for all events of the cycling days at www.computerauswertung.at. Late registration is possible up to one hour before the start.
Author
Valentin Berghammer
Editorial office Innviertel
Valentin Berghammer
