SCHLEIZ - 27 / 28 May 2005

2nd ICGP Race of the season at Schleiz, a heady mix of cultures and bike fans

29 May 2005. The ICGP Series continues to mix it up in former East Germany with participating riders coming from all over Europe. Twenty two riders competed in the magnificent setting of Schleiz, a village rich in pine forests and 70’s biker culture. Despite the thermometer edging over 37° (breaking a century old record) the ICGP riders continued to set record times on a circuit which is definitely not for the faint hearted. A bit like Chimay but without the chicanes…the lap times fell until, during the first timed practice runs the record fell to Lea Gourley (GB) with a literally blistering 1:43.991.

The Schleiz circuit, first raced on in 1923, was 7,631 km long until adapted in 1988. Today the course is 3,805 km and features 14 bends, often « blind », and two sections in full six gear that riders won’t forget . Congratulations for their performances to the English and Belgian riders raised on road and semi-permanent circuits.

All participants were delighted with the organisers (Art-Motor et Bike Promotion) as were the public who came in numbers eager to relive the glory days when the circuit burst at the seams with over 300  000 spectators. The dedication of some fans even led them to bring their old photos to be signed by heroes such as Phil Read and Eric Saul.
Testing continued long enough for all the riders to memorise this difficult circuit and ensure the ICGP race took place without incident. The racing was top-drawer and the public particularly admired the skill of the hardcore of ICGP riders who are present for every round of the series.

Riders fought hard to maintain their championship standings in both categories:

In 350, four time Champion of Belgium Patrick Chavanne fought hard with Englishman Graham Read, son of Phil and ICGP 2005 Champion, both riders on a Yamaha TZ 350. On 250 the plaudits go to Peter Thorne (GB) also on a Yamaha who for the first time edged ahead of the super fast Gilles Hampe (F) on a JBB Rotax and Michael Wild (G) on a Rotech. There was also a decent scrap between the French trio of Sandrine Dufils (the only female rider), Jean François Dondaine and Pascal Barette with Dufils finishing on top in 1:52:211. Under the eyes and encouragement of her coach, Eric SAUL, former GP winner, Dufils finished 11th in a field of 22.

A great weekend saw modern bikes wheel to wheel with their predecessors, (we won’t forget the parade of 30 NSUs including some gorgeous aluminium Sportmax). The German beer flowed freely by the pint and the litre and the heads of all the winners were doused in Champagne.

Next round Spain : The weekend of the 11th and 12th June sees the 3rd Round of ICGP down on the coast on the Carthagene circuit near Murcia.

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