At the “Ring frei” event, numerous sports can be tried out. Olympic speed skating champion Claudia Pechstein leads the inline cup.
Formula 1 legends such as Niki Lauda and Graham Hill have already done their laps on the Salzburgring in Nesselgraben. But the race track in Plainfeld is no longer just limited to motorsport events. In summer, the Electric Love Festival has been attracting tens of thousands of music fans from all over the world to the race track for more than a decade. Just last Sunday, the ring was firmly in the hands of cycling enthusiasts for the seventh time.
Another chance to ride the race track without a motor is available to anyone interested in sports on August 25th at “Ring frei”, the follow-up event to “Skate the Ring”. “Everyone is welcome here, regardless of whether you like to compete with others or just want to try out a sport,” emphasizes organizer Markus Förmer. Victories, medals and points are up for grabs in several races. In addition to the Austrian national championships in inline speed skating and roller speed skating, the German and Bavarian inline cups are also held. The most prominent participant is Claudia Pechstein, who will be competing in Salzburg. The multiple world champion and Olympic gold medalist in speed skating is leading the German inline cup after three races and wants to expand her leading position at the Salzburgring.
“People love coming to us. This year we even received inquiries from Venezuela and Mexico,” says organizer Förmer, who is pleased with the great response from all over the world. He is particularly keen on the testival that is being held at the same time this year, where various sports and equipment can be tried out under the guidance of experienced trainers. “And in the afternoon the race track is open to everyone for free use,” explains Förmer.
Sophie Grill also knows that a lap around the ring is a very special experience. “I’ve done a few laps here on my bike. It was really great,” the skydiver remembers. This year she will only stop by briefly for an autograph session, as the Target Jump World Cup is taking place in Thalgau at the same time. “I would have preferred to fly in the starting flag, but that’s a topic for the next edition,” says Grill.
2024-08-07 16:31:00