On this July 4, 1948, the Italian city of Trévise cried one of his own. Nothing erases the sorrow of thousands of enthusiasts, who came to accompany 'Il Diavolo Nero' (the black devil) for his last trip. Although it still seems difficult to believe, Omobono Tenni is dead. A Motorcycle pilot, as of the interwar period, was gone. The fault of a tragic accident, which occurred on one of the darkest lines in history. His name: Bremgarten.
The information about him is extremely rare, as hidden. However, Bremgarten was indeed a very important European circuit during the 1940s and 1950s. History brings us to Switzerland, and more precisely in the northern suburbs of Bern,
Bethlehem. It is on the roads of this apparently calm district that the Swiss Grand Prix took place
over 70 years ago.
Founded in 1931 to accommodate two-wheelers, Bremgarten quickly established itself as an essential circuit in Europe. The absence of real straight lines coupled with trees adjoining the track made it difficult to master, but pleasant. After the Second World War, he continued to attract crowds as well as high class pilots. It was therefore natural that it was retained by the FIM for the first season of the Motorcyclist World Championship, held in 1949.
Here is the route.
Bremgarten did not have to be ashamed against Monza, Assen or Spa-Francorchamps, other traces traced by the World Cup that year. Scheduled for the weekend of July 3, the Swiss Channel is therefore the second race in the history of the Motorcycle Grand Prix. For the occasion, the future world champion
Leslie Graham – On AJS – only bought the 500cc race and accentuated his lead on his rival In Pagani.
Absent from the calendar in 1950, Bremgarten made his comeback the following year to the delight of Fergus Anderson, winner in 500cc. Until 1954, only British found The key to tame the fast curves crisscrossing the Bremgartenwald. Jack Brett and Geoff Duke being the last winners in the queen category.
Then nothing. After the terrible accident involving 87 dead Upon at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1955, no more motorcycle competition was organized in Switzerland. It is one of the only European countries not to have a permanent FIA/FIM approved circuit, to the greatest dismay of residents of the capital.
- Down Virage but to do it.
Instantly, the site falls into disuse. Shunned by the authorities, time did his work. The asphalt and the pavers so characteristic were removed, for the benefit of large nationals and a campsite. Nothing left Bremgarten. Many Bernese do not know that Formula 1 and the Grand Prix Motorcycles passed on their roads less than a century ago. Information on said layout is difficult to find, so much so that a visit has imposed itself.
Nothing was done to preserve this jewel, nestled in the middle of the woods. The installation of a commemorative plaque could undoubtedly honor those who have left their lives there. Thousands of people who hoped to be entertained, for a weekend, while drinking mystical properties entrusted to poetics'Glass fountain', located in the middle of the forest.
The destruction and the non-titretian heritage is quite a shame, it must be recognized. If it was not for the initiative of some enthusiasts, other vestiges of motorcyclist and automotive sport would perceive in this way. Bremgarten was, Bremgarten is no longer. Today, it is not too late and we can only hope: souls have all eternity to be honored.
Did you know this atypical route?
Tell me in comments!
The GPs in 1951, a completely different world. Security? Not the main concerns… Photo: Anefo
