Cresta Run

Cresta race, even Cresta Run or short Cresta, is a winter sport that is very similar to the skeleton and is regarded as its precursor. The sweep path is called the Cresta Run.

History

The beginnings of Crestarennen date back to the late 19th century. They were even then operated in St. Moritz and are named after the village of Cresta of Celerina. With this location, the race for ever remained attached and has never been played in this form elsewhere. The special thing about this sport is that this skeleton is operated on a natural ice rink. First Crestarennen were played on the classic track in the winter 1884/85 season. This race was initiated by a group of British for a major named WH Bulpetts. Today is traditionally spoken English on the web. First, the participation of women was open, but these were excluded again later because of an alleged major breast cancer risk. To date, the ban was not lifted. Male recreational pilots may use the web. In the II and V. Winter Olympics in St. Moritz Cresta races were held as a demonstration discipline.

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

Path data

The route length is 1,214 meters, the height difference 157 m. The slope is 1 to 8.7 to 1: 2.8 (height meters to meters of track ). The route runs between St. Moritz and Celerina, but remains in contrast to the Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz- Celerina closer to the fall line.

There are two starting points, the "top " ( full length) and " Junction " ( shortened by one-third ) are called. Beginners can only start from " Junction ". There are ten curves, the most famous (rather infamous ) " Shuttlecock " ( " shuttlecock " ) is called. Since the profile of the course is more of a wide, upwardly open "U", the carriages can also leave the web. The above curve serves as a safety valve for the rapid and uncontrolled slide, so they do not come down to the lower, more dangerous part of the track. The departure area is secured with straw bales. Drivers who reach this zone will be included in the " Shuttlecock Club".

Highlight of the activities of the Shuttlecock Club, the annual Shuttlecock dinner. It tells of the respective Shuttlecock - President, a prominent member, organized. Well-known former presidents are Constantin of Liechtenstein, Gianni Agnelli, Gunter Sachs, Sir Dudley Cunliffe -Owen, Rolf Sachs, Lord Dalmeny, Count Luca Marenzi, Marc MK Fischer, Lord Wrottesley and Sven Ley.

There are maximum speeds of up to 140 km / h, the average speed for a run can be up to 90 km / hr. The course record from the starting point from top is 50.09 seconds and is held by the British James Sunley since 1999.

The season starts depending on weather around Christmas and ends in late February. Full- year-old guest drivers may work out on "free" days.

Known drivers (selection)

• Nico Baracchi
• Nino Bibbia
• Billy Fiske
• Reto Gansser
• Franco Gansser
• Marcel Melcher