Cresta race

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Start of the Cresta Run

Cresta racing , also called Cresta Run or Cresta for short , is a winter sport that is very similar to skeleton and is regarded as its forerunner. The runway is also called the Cresta Run .

history

The beginnings of the Cresta races go back to the late 19th century. They were already in operation in St. Moritz back then and are named after the Cresta part of Celerina . The race remained connected to this place forever and was never held anywhere else in this form. The special thing about this sport is that skeleton is played here on a natural ice rink. The first Cresta races were held on the classic track in the winter season 1884/85. This race was initiated by a group of British around a major named William Henry Bulpetts. English is still traditionally spoken on the railway today. Initially, women were also allowed to participate, although they were later excluded because of an alleged high risk of breast cancer. To date, the ban has not been lifted. Male recreational pilots are allowed to use the runway. Cresta races were held as a demonstration discipline at the II and V Olympic Winter Games in St. Moritz.

Some Cresta pilots have made it to an international skeleton career, including the three-time European skeleton champion Nico Baracchi . The highlight of the season is the “Grand National”. Record winners of this race are Nino Bibbia (Italy), Franco Gansser (Switzerland) and Lord Wrottesley (Ireland) with eight wins each.

Orbit data

The length of the route is 1214 m, the difference in altitude 157 m. The gradient is 1 to 8.7 to 1 to 2.8 (meters in altitude to meters of distance). The route runs between St. Moritz and Celerina, but in contrast to the Olympia Bobrun St. Moritz – Celerina it remains closer to the fall line.

There are two starting points called “Top” (full length of the route) and “Junction” (shortened by a third). Beginners are only allowed to start from "Junction". There are ten corners, the most famous (rather infamous) of which is called “Shuttlecock” (“badminton”). Since the profile of the route is more of a wide "U" open at the top, the sledges can also leave the track. The curve mentioned serves as a safety valve for too fast, uncontrolled sleds so that they do not get into the lower, more dangerous part of the track. The departure zone is secured with bales of straw. Drivers who reach this zone are accepted into the "Shuttlecock Club".

The highlight of the Shuttlecock Club's activities is the annual Shuttlecock Dinner. It is organized by the respective Shuttlecock president, a prominent member. Well-known former presidents are Constantin von Liechtenstein , Gianni Agnelli , Gunter Sachs , Sir Dudley Cunliffe-Owen, Rolf Sachs , Lord Dalmeny, Count Luca Marenzi, Marc MK Fischer, Lord Wrottesley and Sven Ley.

Top speeds of up to 140 km / h are reached, the average speed for a run can be up to 90 km / h. The course record from the Top starting point is 50.09 seconds and has been held since 1999 by the Briton James Sunley.

Depending on the weather, the season starts around Christmas and ends at the end of February. Guest starters of legal age are allowed to train on "free" days.

Known drivers (selection)

literature

Web links

Coordinates: 46 ° 30 '9.3 "  N , 9 ° 50' 42.2"  E ; CH1903:  seven hundred eighty-four thousand six hundred ninety-one  /  152973