A scramble through the history of cyclo-cross. A sport that produced Swiss stars in the 1970s and 1980s, then sank almost completely into oblivion and is now experiencing a modest revival.
Along with Schwingen and Steinstossen, Hornussen is one of Switzerland’s national sports. Many people think of Hornussen as an ancient and typically Swiss game. Hornussen is indeed very old, but it’s only since the 19th century that it’s been considered a Swiss national game.
The history of Swiss cycling is full of thrilling stories. One of these is Beat Breu’s historic victory on the Alpe d’Huez in 1982. Much has already been written about this win. What very few people know, though, is that Beat Breu immortalised his victorious ride in meticulous detail in a terrain model.
Highs and lows are part of everyday life in Swiss cycling – both figuratively and literally. The sport of cycling can look back on a history filled with anecdotes.
What a party! Chanting fans, fireworks, cheering and applause coalesce in a sea of flags – for many people, these scenes are rowdy, intimidating, uncivilised and uncouth. For others this is the highest of highs, an eruption of fan euphoria representing a cultural phenomenon that is now widespread, but about which very little is known.
“Sport” as a one-size-fits-all concept has never existed; it is too heavily influenced by societal factors and social milieu. For example, there used to be a strong sports movement for workers.
Nowadays it goes without saying that, hot on the heels of the Olympics, comes the Paralympics, in which people with disabilities compete on the same global platform. But it’s only since 1988 that the two sporting events have truly shared a stage. A look at the history of sport for the disabled.
