>> Fall2026 ISSUE 41
T h e 1 0 0 0 c m 3- M o t o G P - E r a
A Litre of Force
Interview With Walter Röhrl
I STILL CUT THE CORNERS Ve s p a Tu r n s 8 0
There Are Scooters and There Is Vespa! Discovery After 6,500 Years
ANCIENT WOOD REBORN
A column by Mat Oxley
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C ont e nt s
A K RAP OV I Č Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine Issue 41, Fall 2026 Akrapovič d.d. Malo Hudo 8a SI-1295 Ivančna Gorica Slovenia www.akrapovic.com Editor in Chief: Miran Ališič Publisher: Korpmedia GmbH Seestrasse 144, CH-8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland Office in Slovenia: Korpmedia d.o.o. Tomšičeva 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia www.korpmedia.si Client Coordinator: Primož Jurman Photo Editor: Bor Dobrin Art Directors: Slavojka Akrapovič, Neja Engelsberger, Saša Kerkoš Cover design: Zdenko Bračevac Design: Zdenko Bračevac, Andrej Perčič, Bojan Perko, Jan Mohorič, Akrapovič Kreativa d.o.o. Content Editor: Julija Porekar Jazbinšek Contributors: Alenka Birk, Ignacio Escriche, Natan Esku, Matevž Hribar, Primož Jurman, Gaber Keržišnik, Mat Oxley, Imre Paulovits, Tina Torelli, Miran Ališič, Mitja Reven Contributing Photographers: Akrapovič, BMW, Bor Dobrin, CFMOTO Aspar Team, Ferrari, Graeme Brown, Ivana Krešić, Lamborghini, Marc Robinot, Markus Mayer, Matevž Hribar, Matic Eržen, Oskar Enander, Ray Archer, Rob Gray, Polarity Photo, Sherco, Tim Fritzsch Translation: Matjaž Horvat, Werner Schneider Proofreading: Tim Walpole Ad space marketing: Korpmedia GmbH Seestrasse 144, CH-8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland www.korpmedia.ch On the cover: Akrapovič Exhaust System for Yamaha YZR-M1 2012
Contents
05 Letter
06 Akrapovič News
10 Ride With Us
16 Ride With Us
22 Drive With Us
28 Drive With Us
34 Story
52 Interview
60 Visit With Us
68 Drive With Us
74 Brief talk
78 Story
86 Story
92 Original
98 High Gear
Photo: Akrapovič Kreativa d.o.o. Printing: LUart, Lepovče 42, 1310 Ribnica, Slovenia
// Si NOTE All the longer articles in the Akrapovič magazine include a text that will be marked with the // Si sign and placed in a special frame. The Akrapovič company is based in Slovenia and this is why we decided to keep this part of the text in Slovenian as well.
Copyright notice This magazine and its entire textual and pictorial content are subject to copyright. Any reproduction thereof without prior written consent of the copyright holder is prohibited. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Akrapovič d.d., the publishers or the editors. Not for sale. Printed in Slovenia in October 2026 in 7,000 copies.
General Warning Because of the world-wide distribution of Akrapovič d.d. products, neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of its subsidiaries make any representation that the products comply with the air and/or noise emissions laws, or labeling laws, of any jurisdiction. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of the applicable laws where the products are to be used and to comply with those laws. Warning / USA Various U.S. states and the U.S. federal government have individual laws regulating the use of aftermarket exhaust parts and systems, especially as those parts and systems modify, remove, or replace original equipment catalysts. Please consult the appropriate laws in your area before installing any aftermarket part or system on your vehicle to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries or the sellers of the parts or systems make any representation that any of their parts or systems comply with any such laws. Warning / California California laws prohibit the use of any aftermarket exhaust part or system that modifies, removes or replaces original equipment catalysts unless the California Air Resources Board has issued an Executive Order regarding such part or system or unless the part or system is exempted by being used only on racing vehicles on closed courses. Neither Akrapovič d.d. nor any of their subsidiaries make any representation that any of their parts or systems has received such an Executive Order or that any of their parts or systems conform with the racing vehicles exemption. The purchasers are entirely responsible for informing themselves of applicable California laws and to comply with those laws.
05
Letter
05
photography Bor Dobrin
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From the heart It is purely coincidental that I have been asked to write the
is clear, but can be arrived at by various ways; sometimes born
editorial for this issue of the Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine, which
from creativity, but always underpinned by persistence. That is
features a visit to Kevin Schwantz’s ranch in Texas. The 1993
a part of what makes Akrapovič who we are.
500 cm World Champion and his great rival Wayne Rainey – 3
competing on different Japanese brands – were the idols of
We have come a long way from the early days when one could
our youth. We spent hours back then customising and tuning
know and see everything in production, when being present at
our bikes, even painting them in cigarette sponsor liveries to
every part of the process was possible due to low volumes and
make them resemble the Suzuki and Yamaha of our heroes as
simpler procedures, whereas we currently manufacture hundreds
much as possible.
of products daily, making it impossible to know every single one in minute detail. It is therefore even more crucial today to create
The Slovenian motorcycling scene was small at the time, so it did
a team that will follow your lead and drive progress forward,
not take long before our experimenting with lightweight fiberglass
because you will not get far without teamwork. We have never
fairings was noticed by Igor Akrapovič via racer Marko Mihič,
denied that problems exist. Instead, we focused on solving them
whose bike Igor was taking care of while already working on
and reaching our goal.
high-performance exhaust systems as well as striving towards lightweight materials. My friend made prototype carbon-fibre
I look with pride at the wealth of knowledge we have accumulated
outer sleeves for him, which were received well. Fast-forward
over the 35 years since the company was founded, and the
to 1998, I was working in a workshop specialising in composite
enthusiasm with which we keep coming to work. Our production
components, which became part of the Akrapovič company
team – now numbering more than 1,000 – shares a common
in 2004. It started with eight employees and grew to ninety
goal: ensuring that every product is crafted from the heart. Just
over the next three years. I subsequently took charge of the
as the stories in the 41st issue of Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine
company’s entire production and have, alongside my colleagues,
come from the heart.
witnessed the incredible growth of our product range over the last two decades. Throughout the period, we kept mastering new technologies
Aleksander Mavec
while becoming increasingly independent and self-sufficient
Production Director
as a company. All the while, I kept in mind Igor’s words, who, whenever we encountered an obstacle, would encourage us by saying, “We won’t know unless we try.” One can quickly adopt this mindset of trying until you succeed, especially when the goal
A krapov ič Ne w s
Bountiful Season This issue of the Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine had already gone to press as some championships were still finishing and new world champions were ascending to the top step of the podium. The 2026 racing season was simply marvellous for numerous partners who use Akrapovič exhaust systems. Josep Garcia (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was unstoppable in enduro, winning both the EnduroGP and E1 champion titles, while racing bikes fitted with Akrapovič exhausts ruled supreme was crowned E2 champion and Steve Holcombe (Sherco Racing Factory) won the E3 championship title. An incredible story was penned by Triumph Factory Racing, whose TF 250‑X climbed all the way to the top in MX2 motocross in only its third season in action: Guillem Farrés has been crowned
Andrea Verona and Josep Garcia
the 2026 FIM MX2 Motocross World Champion, also securing Triumph’s first ever world title, with his teammate Camden McLellan finishing the season as MX2 title race runner-up, rounding off a historymaking year for the team and brand. The FIM Endurance World Championship remained tense all the way to the end, but when the dust finally settled, the champagne was opened by Markus Reiterberger, Steven Odendaal and Michael van der Mark. Winning at the last race of the season and taking the overall win, they were able to lay the unfortunate end of last year’s season to rest while giving the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team its first FIM EWC champion title. This success stands out even more because it is the first world championship title for a European manufacturer in the FIM EWC. Fans of SuperMotocross were also left biting
Steve Holcombe
their nails until the end, as Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – now crowned the 2026 SMX World Champion – proved in the final three races that he is not a four‑time motocross champion for nothing. Nicolò Bulega secured the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship title with two rounds to go. It is rare to find a rider having such an impressive season as the one the Italian had this year on his Ducati Panigale V4 R: 26 wins and 4 runner-up finishes in the first 30 races. Máximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) crowned his dominant season by clinching the Moto3 world title back in October, while Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing), the new WorldSSP champion, was equally impressive throughout 2026. Carlos Cano (CFMOTO Aspar Team Junior) meanwhile claimed his first Moto3 Junior World Championship title.
Guillem Farrés
KTM Images/Future7Media
in enduro overall. Joseph’s teammate Andrea Verona
06 / 09
Akrapovič News
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KTM Images/Align Media
Nicolò Bulega
Jorge Prado
Carlos Cano
Máximo Quiles
Albert Arenas
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
Urus SE Performante Lamborghini debuted its most powerful Urus SE at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The vehicle’s latest iteration to date bears the name Urus SE Performante and Lamborghini claims it redefines the standards of the plugin hybrid Super SUV with 597 kW (812 hp) of power. Its V8 engine and the electric unit allow for blistering 312 km/h top speed and a 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds. Extensive use of carbon fibre and a lightweight titanium exhaust system by Akrapovič – in an all-new performance-oriented configuration designed to intensify the driving experience – lighten Urus SE Performante, optimising the power-to-weight ratio to achieve an impressive 3 kg/hp. Advanced aerodynamic efficiency and driving dynamics combine to deliver absolute precision, made possible by an innovative suspension system.
Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026
The Slip-On Line (Titanium) exhaust system with Tail Pipe Set (Carbon) for the BMW M5 won a Red Dot Award for product design, bringing the total number of Red Dots for Akrapovič products to 20. Also awarded was the Adventure Footpeg Set (Titanium), which the jury recognised for its outstanding design. The winning products feature effective use of lightweight titanium and attention to detail that is characteristic of Akrapovič.
Best for the Nineteenth Time BEST BRAND 2026 Kategorie: Auspuff
Over 10,000 readers of PS magazine and its online portal voted Akrapovič the best brand in the exhaust systems category for the 19 th consecutive time, with the Slovenian brand securing more than 81 percent of the votes.
06 / 09
Akrapovič News
Happy Centenary! A record 118,036 Ducati enthusiasts descended to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for World Ducati Week between 3rd and 5th of July, marking the Italian brand’s centenary in numbers and in style. Akrapovič was there as event partner with a dedicated exhibition booth, which welcomed numerous visitors while showcasing products developed in collaboration with Ducati. Another eyecatcher was the Ducati Desmosedici GP race bike from the MotoGP championship. Ducati riders also visited the Akrapovič booth, signing autographs for the fans.
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9 Philipp Öttl and Nicolò Bulega
Andrea Bonacorsi and Alessandro Lupino
Race-Winner The BMW M Hybrid V8, fitted with an Akrapovič exhaust system, claimed its first-ever victory in its third season of the FIA WEC championship. At Spa-Francorchamps, Robin Frijns, René Rast, and Sheldon van der Linde claimed the first overall victory for BMW M Motorsport since the team’s return to FIA WEC. Making the victory even sweeter for the home team, BMW M Team WRT, teammates Kevin Magnussen, Raffaele Marciello, and Dries Vanthoor finished second in the Belgian race – and the crew of the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 later repeated the success of the #20 car with a win at the São Paulo race.
Ride With Us
T h e 1 0 0 0 c m 3- M o t o G P - E r a
Fo r 1 5 y e a r s , t h e 1 , 0 0 0 c m 3 M o t o G P c l a s s p u s h e d b o u n d a r i e s t h a t no one would have thought possible, and engineers had to come up with new solutions. Throughout this time, Akrapovič was a key par tner and an integral par t of this development. 10
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10 / 15
Ride With Us
by Imre Paulovits photography Rob Gray, Polarity Photo, Marc Robinot, Bor Dobrin, Gold and Goose Photography, Ducati Corse, KTM Images/Polarity Photo, Honda HRC Castrol, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
The limit was raised to a full lit re, subjec t to t echnical restrictions, in order to save costs.
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11
They’re spectacular, super-fast, and they’re
Yamaha, and then with Ducati – they played
getting faster every year. The MotoGP
important role in helping Suzuki and KTM
motorcycles, which have been allowed to
become competitive. Engineers, including
have a full-litre cubic capacity since 2012,
those from Suzuki, were regular guests
have broken every existing record in recent
in Ivančna Gorica and worked with the
years. Their top speed record at Mugello
Akrapovič Racing Research and Development
stands at 368.6 km/h – that’s more than
Department on the test bench. Together, they
30 km/h faster than a Formula 1 race car can
developed ideas that led to the famous dual
reach there. But precisely because of these
exhaust system on the MotoGP Suzuki, with
mind-boggling speeds, the MotoGP Group,
which the blue brand from Hamamatsu won the
the FIM, and the manufacturers’ association
world championship in 2020 with Joan Mir.
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13
MSMA have been discussing a new set of rules for several years now – set to take
When KTM entered MotoGP, it already had
effect in 2027 – that is intended to reduce
a long-standing partnership with Akrapovič in
speeds somewhat. Thus, the past 15 years
other motorsport categories. “When you enter
will go down in motorsports history as
such a demanding class, you’re glad to have
a particularly spectacular time.
partners who are already comfortable in this environment,” says KTM Motorsport Director
The 1,000 cm3-rule was born out of financial
Pit Beirer.
necessity. However, in 2007 manufacturers had already reduced the engine capacity of
“So Akrapovič was on board from the very
MotoGP motorbikes from 990 to 800 cm
early planning stages to build the perfect
3
for safety reasons, but these high-revving,
exhaust system to match the engine design.
high-tech engines drove costs sky-high. After
As complete newcomers, we were grateful for
the global economic crisis at the end of 2008
every tip or piece of advice, and Slavko Alojz
“Time frames in motorsport
led to major cost-cutting measures across
Trstenjak, for many years head of Akrapovič’s
are extremely short, and
the entire economy, MotoGP boss Carmelo
motorsports R&D department, took on a very
Ezpeleta had to come up with a solution to
important leadership role in the development
customer expectations are
ensure that MotoGP would continue to have
process. He came to our factory, and our
a full field of riders. As a result, the limit
people travelled to Akrapovič – it was a very
was raised to a full litre, subject to technical
intensive collaboration.”
e xc e p t i o na l l y h i g h .” – Slav ko A lojz Tr st enjak
restrictions, in order to save costs. “When we design an exhaust system like this, But this also opened Pandora’s box, because
we always try to give the product a special
in the heat of competition, the engineers were
character with our distinctive Akrapovič
quickly able to surpass the performance levels
shapes,” explains Slavko. “We often find
thought possible. Ducati had fallen behind, so
ourselves in a role similar to that of a doctor
“Every horsepower, every gram counts – but
they hired Luigi Dall’Igna as the new Ducati
and a patient. We have to listen as closely
even more so does the power delivery, so
Corse General Manager, and immediately after
as possible, make a diagnosis, and then look
that this brute force can be transferred to the
taking office, he partnered with Akrapovič for
for a solution to the problem. In doing so, it’s
ground,” says Luigi Dall’Igna. So, it was also
the exhaust systems. “Akrapovič is the most
important to understand which area the team
a challenge for Akrapovič to keep up with this
technically advanced exhaust manufacturer in
wants to improve in terms of power output.”
pace of development – or even to accelerate it. “They push the limits exactly as we do,” says
the world,” explains Dall’Igna. “No one else has their technology or their expertise in working
Time of Progress
Pit Beirer. “Take weight, for example – and
with materials, particularly titanium, which is
There was also a new aspect to consider.
things do happen from time to time in that
now indispensable in MotoGP. We can be sure
“One of the biggest differences between the
area. But you can be sure that Akrapovič
that we’re getting the highest level of service.”
800 cm and 1000 cm MotoGP eras was the
always delivers the best quality to the
changing role of the exhaust system itself.
racetrack. And when it comes to performance,
Time of Inventions
In the 1000 cm3 era, exhaust systems evolved
weight, and schedules, Akrapovič is
To get back to the very front of the pack, the
from being primarily performance-enhancing
the perfect partner.”
engineers led by Dall’Igna produced some
components to becoming what could be
innovative solutions. In accordance with the
described as ‘active exhaust systems’; they
“Time frames in motorsport are extremely
rules, they actively lowered the rear end whilst
are designed to contribute to engine braking
short, and customer expectations are
riding, so as to achieve better acceleration
characteristics within specific operating
exceptionally high. Considering that we
through a lower centre of gravity. To this
ranges. Their influence extends beyond
support around 80 percent of the MotoGP
end, they used wings to enhance downforce,
engine power output and has become an
factory teams, in addition to our extensive
thereby changing the entire face of MotoGP.
important factor in overall vehicle dynamics,”
involvement in many other top-level motorcycle
explains Slavko.
racing categories, this would not be possible
3
3
without the dedication, flexibility, and
The economy was on the upswing again, and the manufacturers present were once
The more the teams recognised the
commitment of everyone involved at Akrapovič.
more investing large sums in development.
possibilities offered by the new technologies,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all
In addition, Suzuki entered MotoGP in 2015,
the closer the field became. Although they
our colleagues whose hard work and expertise
and KTM followed in 2017. While Akrapovič
were operating at the absolute limit of what
enable us to deliver the required capacity and
had been part of this spectacular era from
was possible, that limit was pushed back
maintain the highest level of support for our
the start – first with other partners, including
by one second every year on some tracks.
racing partners,” Slavko says.
10 / 15
Ride With Us
Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), 2015 MotoGP World Champion
Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), 2020 MotoGP World Champion
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), 2021 MotoGP World Champion
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), 2023 MotoGP World Champion
Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac Racing), 2024 MotoGP World Champion
Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), 2025 MotoGP World Champion
Time of Advice As aerodynamics increasingly drove progress
Yamaha, which had relied on an inline-four
during the learning phase, and Akrapovič
in MotoGP and suspension lowering during
since the beginning of the MotoGP era,
played a crucial role among them in helping
acceleration and braking was continually
eventually had to admit that its approach was
us climb this huge mountain. Our technicians
perfected, the Japanese manufacturers fell
no longer the right one given the direction
worked day and night for months to move the
behind. During the Covid pandemic, traveling
MotoGP development had taken. In 2026, they
project forward, and they were able to rely on
was more difficult for them than for the
also switched to a V4. “When we decided to
Akrapovič just as much as they did back when
Europeans, and so they found themselves
embark on this new journey, we were able to
we achieved great successes together.”
in a downward spiral. To break out of this
rely on Akrapovič’s experience and expertise,
slump, Honda also partnered with Akrapovič.
as they had worked with both inline-four and
Time of Success
“We have a great partnership with Akrapovič,
V-engines and understood the challenges and
The 1,000 cm3 MotoGP era. We will look
and their expertise in exhaust systems has
opportunities of both concepts,” says Paolo
back on it as a time of records and major
allowed us to improve the power delivery of the
Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor
changes, but also a time of great successes.
Honda RC213V on our way back to the top of
Racing. “For us, it was an entirely new project,
“The 1,000 cm3 era is an unforgettable one for
MotoGP,” reveals Mikihiko Kawase, MotoGP
so it was important to have experienced
Honda HRC. We had tremendous success
Technical Manager at Honda HRC.
partners support us with their knowledge
with our RC213V, winning six riders’ and
Paolo Pavesio
Pit Beirer
Luigi Dall’Igna
Mikihiko Kawase
10 / 15
Ride With Us
“We have to listen as closely as possible, make a diagnosis, and then look for a solution to t h e pr o b l e m .” – Slav ko A lojz Tr st enjak
14
Pedro Acosta
Fabio Quartararo
Joan Mir
Marc Márquez
15
seven manufacturers’ world championships.
of its record during this period. Together with
title with Ducati through Francesco Bagnaia
However, during this period, the landscape and
Yamaha and Jorge Lorenzo, they won their very
(2022/2023), Jorge Martín (2024), and Marc
style of MotoGP changed completely, and it
first MotoGP championship in 2012. When
Márquez (2025). “MotoGP is the class where
is unfortunately true that in the second half of
Lorenzo brought the title back to Yamaha
new technologies are first put to use,” says
this era, HRC was unable to achieve its goals.
in 2015, it marked Akrapovič’s 100 th world
Slavko. “From there, they make their way into
The 2019 season with Marc Márquez was
championship title – across all motorsport
other series, such as the World Superbike
one of our highlights, just like 2012 and 2013,
disciplines. In 2020, they won the title with
Championship, and ultimately, our production
when the RC213V made it onto the podium in
Joan Mir and Suzuki; in 2021, they won it
customers benefit from all this experience.”
every race,” says Mikihiko Kawase proudly.
again with Yamaha and Fabio Quartararo; and
Akrapovič also has every reason to be proud
since then, they’ve won every subsequent
// Si Era 1000 cm3 v MotoGP: Za en liter moči Obdobje 1000-kubičnih motociklov v MotoGP med letoma 2012 in 2026 je prineslo izjemen tehnološki napredek, rekorde in velike spremembe v razvoju motociklov. Povečanje prostornine je bilo sprva namenjeno znižanju stroškov, hkrati pa je sprožilo tekmovalni razvoj, ki je meje zmogljivosti vsako leto pomikal višje. Ducati je pod Dall’Igno uvedel ključne inovacije, kot so aktivno zniževanje zadka in aerodinamična krilca. Suzuki je z Akrapovičem razvil prepoznaven dvojni izpuh in se povzpel do naslova, KTM-u pa je sodelovanje s podjetjem olajšalo vstop med elito. Tudi Honda in Yamaha sta se oprli na znanje podjetja Akrapovič, zadnja celo pri prehodu na V4 zasnovo agregata. Izpušni sistemi so postali aktivni del dinamike motocikla, razvoj pa je zahteval izjemno hitre odzive. Akrapovič je v tem obdobju skupaj s partnerskimi ekipami osvojil vrsto naslovov in tehnologijo iz MotoGP prenesel v druge serije ter serijske izdelke.
Ride With Us
by Matevž Hribar
16 / 21 Ride With Us
photography Ray Archer, KTM Images/Sebas Romero, Triumph Factory Racing
SOFT, HARD, MUD!
Motocross Riding Surfaces What do you think would happen if something unexpected appeared on a road circuit during a race; a cone that alters the course of a chicane, perhaps sand at the end of a straight, an oil spill... A red flag, a safety car, maybe a restart. In off-road racing, surface variation is a given. It does not only change from venue to venue, but also from lap to lap as some 40 riders each plough their own line on the course, or a storm turns loose soil into sticky mud. How does this affect the bike’s settings, the outcome of the race and, ultimately, the championship?
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16 / 21 Ride With Us
Paul Trevathan
Other factors, such as how tight the track is, elevation changes, track lay out, average speed etc., play a much bigger role in the setup. As for the surface itself? Hard or soft, end of story. At the Miravalle track in Montevarchi, Italy, for example, which is built directly into a Tuscan hillside and features a hard pack full of stones, different teams tested different tyres, but in the end, they all still chose … scoop tyres. Muddy Waters There is another factor that could hugely influence whether the surface will be hard or soft – rain. Rain can cause a lot of problems. The riders suffer as do the machines. Mud sticks to the motorcycle, caking the cooling
18
Simon Längenfelder
fins and blocking the airflow, which is already down due to lower speeds, so engines overheat. Up to 30, even 40 kilograms of mud can stick to the motorcycle and the rider,
Have you seen footage from this year’s Italian
ploughed before the race, just like a field one
greatly affecting the suspension. The riders
motocross championship, an important race
could plant potatoes in. It is imperative that the
behind get splattered with mud from the guy
before the start of the season, when the bike
rear tyre bites as deeply as it can, scoop up
in front, which covers their goggles, and once
of Tim Gajser, a new arrival to the Monster
as much material as possible and convert as
the roll-offs run out, many simply throw the
Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team, was
much engine torque as viable into acceleration.
goggles away and risk getting mud in their
brought in with a pit cart under the rear tyre?
Starts are so important that riders are willing to
eyes! Sometimes they have to lower their
This is just one indicator of how a detail like
risk inferior riding characteristics of such tyres
heads and shield their eyes with the helmet
a bit of mud can change the course of a race.
on hard pack surfaces just to get a holeshot,
visor while riding blindly for a second or two.
Getting a good start is extremely important
or at least be among the first three at the first
Mud is definitely the biggest culprit and can
with an evenly matched field. Though this
turn. Scoop tyres suffer much more on hard,
often turn a race upside down. But a good
particular innovation, according to the team’s
hilly terrain, and can sometimes be written off
result can sometimes come about because
Media Manager Nikki Malin, was just an
after a single race, while sand, their intended
of a rider with a feel and courage to open the
experiment. “No, we are no longer using
surface, is much more forgiving regarding
throttle on slippery surfaces. For example, the
this. But at the GP we do change the wheel
wear and tear.
Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team got its first podium finishes at a rain-soaked event, with
before the race and carry the rear wheel to the gate if the track is heavy, wet or muddy.
A Black and White World
mud everywhere, in mid-March at the second
A clean tyre provides better grip on the
MXGP World Championship races take place
race of the 2025 season. Is there a recipe for
surface, allowing for improved traction and
in Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and
this? “The goal is always to develop a powerful
acceleration during starts.” True, starts are
Australia. This means a lot of different venues
bike with strong performance, but still with
at the core of the sport. They matter not only
not covered with a standardised surface, such
a linear power delivery that can be managed
because of the ‘holeshot’ count (when a rider
as a racing asphalt mix, the properties of which
by the rider. That is because riders need to be
is the first to get through the apex of the first
are fully known. That is why it is interesting that
able to handle the bike for the full 30 minutes
turn in the first lap), but also because they
motocross distinguishes between two types of
of a race, even in extreme conditions such as
can decide a race’s outcome, all else being
surface only: hard (hard pack) and soft (sand).
heavy mud or deep sand. Also, a fast start
(nearly) equal. This is why most teams have
Whether hard pack is mainly compacted
is especially important in muddy conditions,
started using sand (scoop) tyres even on
soil, clay, or a stone mix, is not important
and that is another strong point of our bike,
hard surfaces. The starting straight is freshly
when setting up the bike (suspension, tyres).
with eight holeshots in the 2025 season.
Of course, the rider and their skillset still make a big difference in motocross, so it is always a combination of factors,” said Davide Guarneri, Fantic Racing MX Manager. On the other hand, Ducati’s sortie into the world of motocross saw them struggle in muddy conditions. “For sure muddy and sandy conditions are the hardest bench to test bikes and engines. It’s not a secret, as shown by the high temperatures like we had a couple of races ago in Italy, but we we’re new in the class and improving in many different areas. Even if our bike is very well designed, there is room to do better,” admitted Lorenzo Resta, Ducati MXGP Press and PR Officer. Testing Alone Is Not Enough UK’s Triumph also took the same direction, from road to off-road, almost at the same time as Ducati. They brought in experienced riders like Clément Desalle and Ricky Carmichael. Is it necessary to test at all the venues before
Andrea Bonacorsi
the first season? Vincent Bereni, Triumph Factory Racing Team Manager explains his team’s ethos, “In terms of GP tracks, we
Vincent Bereni
Guillem Farrés
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Sacha Coenen
only actually tested at one, St Jean d’Angély.
me this is not a good enough job when you need
World Champion and now Fantic Factory
However, we did a lot of testing on a huge
excellence to win races and championships. We
Racing MXGP Team Owner, has a similar take.
variety of terrain so we could gather as much
are always very self-critical and look at how we
“The more you train at Lommel, the better. You
data as possible on hard pack, mud, sand
can improve for the future.”
don’t necessarily have to be born in the sand; you just need to ride there a lot. Lommel also
and so on. It was a collaboration between the race team and Triumph’s engineering experts.
Lommel, a Sandpit for (Very) Strong Kids
changes a lot throughout the year, so again,
Obviously 2024 was a learning season, so yes
Ignoring the mud, the most difficult surface is
the more you practice there, the better you will
at times we faced problems that we had to find
certainly sand. Even a newly-laid track requires
get at handling the conditions. When it comes
solutions to on race weekends. I would say these
special skills, but when half-metre deep ruts
to physical preparation, it is never wrong to
were quite minimal, we had enough data from all
appear, which happens quite quickly due to
train there. But in order to be a complete rider,
the testing with Clément and we could respond
sand’s softness, the race turns into a battle.
you also need to ride on hard pack, especially
quite well to these challenges. You can test and
A battle against competitors, the track and
to improve your braking and throttle control.”
test and test, but when you’re in a race you can
oneself. Believe you me, many an amateur off-
That is why, in addition to top engineers, the
find small things that you didn’t expect. But this
road motorcyclist would not complete a single
nine-time world champion Cairoli was a key
is normal for any new model or generation of
lap of Belgium’s infamous Lommel, which is
figure in developing Ducati’s motocross bike.
bike, or racing in general.” Vincent also singled
precisely why it is essential that riders also
How to deal with sand, then? Since bikes are
out the track at Lommel as the biggest headache
train on sand. Sicilian Tony Cairoli, whose
quite evenly matched in terms of performance,
for the team, even now in their third season.
professional life was split between Lommel and
the difference is primarily due to the rider: they
“It took us too long to find the optimum set-up
his native Sicily, said in an interview that had
must be extremely physically fit to be able to
for Guillem Farrés, and he was only comfortable
he been born in the Netherlands or Belgium,
hold the throttle wide open and keep the front
at the last race of the weekend. Lommel is
he would have become better at motocross
tyre above the sand even after 30 minutes.
obviously such a special track, but even so, for
earlier. Jacky Martens, former 500 cm
The bike’s suspension setup also helps;
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Tim Gajser
3
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lowering the front forks raises the bike’s front end and helps it float over deep sand. No matter if turning gets a bit more difficult as a consequence, as long as the front tyre does not sink into the sand. Which Transition is Easier – Road to OffRoad or Vice-Versa? Austria’s KTM took the opposite direction from Ducati – for many years they kept winning off-road before transforming into road warriors, first in supermoto, later in Moto3, Moto2 and finally MotoGP. That is why Paul Trevathan, MXGP team member turned MotoGP Crew Chief, was the perfect person to probe. He said motocross tracks had become much more standardised in the last 10 years, so there is less experimentation. Standards for preparing a track have also been established, though big differences still exist between the more ‘natural’ European venues and those in America. There are three different types of tyres available in motocross, soft (for sand), medium and hard, while MotoGP uses five different single compounds that can be combined for the left or right side of the rear tyre. Moreover, once you develop a good drive, you don’t change the gearbox like in road racing. But, says Trevathan, there are some parallels. “When it rains at a road race, I say the first rider to put their knee to the ground wins. The same is true for a muddy motocross race; you have to lose your fear as soon as possible, get over it, open the throttle. The faster you go, the easier it is, but it’s easier to talk than to open the throttle all the way in deep mud ruts.” And how does tyre selection affect the results? Jan Pancar
We had Jan Pancar, who has been achieving enviable results as a privateer, on hand. “As far as tyres are concerned, I don’t think there’s a difference. The biggest advantage larger teams have is their numbers. They can delve into the details, analyse and make better decisions. When my dad and I are alone at a race and I’m not happy with something, I just try something else.”
//Si Podlage pri motokrosu: Mehko, trdo, blato! Motokros poteka na podlagah, ki se nenehno spreminjajo. Blato, dež ali pesek lahko povsem spremenijo potek dirke. Dober start je ključen, zato ekipe tudi na trdih podlagah uporabljajo gume za mivko, saj sveže zorana štartna ravnina zahteva maksimalen oprijem. Blato močno vpliva na motocikle in voznike – motorji se pregrevajo, na motocikel se lahko nalepi več deset kilogramov blata, vidljivost se poslabša, vzmetenje trpi. Kljub temu lahko pogum in občutek za motocikel na spolzki podlagi prineseta presenetljive rezultate. Novi proizvajalci se še učijo pogojev v ekstremnih razmerah, saj testiranja vsega ne morejo zajeti. Nekatere steze, kot je peščeni Lommel, tudi po več sezonah ostajajo velik izziv, saj je mivka najzahtevnejša podlaga. Globoke kolesnice vožnjo spremenijo v fizični boj, zato je trening na Lommlu nujen. Vseeno pa mora voznik za popolnost trenirati tudi na trdi podlagi. Ker so motorji glede zmogljivosti izenačeni, odločajo predvsem voznikova fizična pripravljenost, tehnika in pravilna nastavitev motocikla. Alberto Forato
Driv e With Us
FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
FLAT OUT ON REAL ROADS
22 Around 70 percent of the 13.626 km racetrack that hosts the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance car race consists of public roads that are accessible for everyday driving when the circuit is not in use for the race or official test sessions. During the 24 Hours of Le Mans race week, these public roads are closed and transformed into a part of the racetrack with barriers, fences, and marshal posts. As the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe
Driving down the D338 public road in the French city of Le Mans becomes, at a certain point, a very special experience – even mystical for many petrol heads – as one realises that one is, in fact, on the long Mulsanne Straight, one of most famous parts of Circuit de la Sarthe, a unique blend of a permanent race circuit and public roads. This dual nature of one of
is mostly made up of public roads, the racing teams cannot simply book a private test day there. Preparations for the race of all races are therefore even more crucial.
A Virtual Road to Le Mans Race cars are not able to start practising on the Circuit de la Sarthe until the test sessions, which take place during the same week in June as the race. So, how do the teams then prepare for the races and, more generally, for the new FIA World Endurance Championship season? “There are two main tools for optimisation: simulation and experimentation. After we have defined ‘what is needed’ and found a way to achieve it, the simulation tools we have
the world’s most famous tracks means that
available can verify the behaviour of components and guide their design,”
engineers must pay even closer attention when
Lucio Calogero, Endurance Power Unit & Controls Manager at Ferrari,
preparing for the race.
explains how the 2025 FIA World Endurance Champions are introducing the new features for the Ferrari 499P race car.
22 / 23 Drive With Us
by Mitja Reven photography Ferrari
23
Components of a Hypercar undergo extensive engineering simulations before
AF Corse also tests at other racetracks that are not on the FIA WEC
physical prototypes are ever manufactured. Using advanced computer-aided
calendar. These real-track tests are absolutely essential, as one cannot rely
engineering (CAE), engineers can evaluate how parts will perform under the
solely on simulations. “Simulations are a simplification of reality, so they
extreme stresses of an endurance race. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) predicts
must always be validated through experimental testing of the predictions,
how different elements deform under load, helping engineers optimise strength
which in turn helps to refine and increase the reliability of future simulations.
while removing unnecessary weight. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
The transfer of information from the experimental world to the virtual world –
simulations allow aerodynamicists to study airflow over the bodywork, where
and vice versa – is fundamental for the optimisation of all components,”
small refinements can translate into significant gains in stability, efficiency and
explains Lucio. Akrapovič has been a Ferrari Hypercar Technical Partner
tyre performance.
since 2024, with the engineering teams from both partners working closely on the development of the exhaust system for the 499P. This is yet another
Engineers are also using thermal simulations to model heat transfer through
area where simulations play a very important role. The exhaust system is not
different parts and materials undergo virtual testing involving simulations
an isolated component; it has to serve as an integrated part of the powertrain
of millions of load cycles to estimate fatigue life, identifying areas where
system. “The engine, the chassis and the entire car in general exchange
microscopic cracks could develop over the course of a race. There are also
energy with the exhaust in the form of mechanical and thermal stresses,
crash simulations...
in ways that are characteristic of the Ferrari powertrain. The key point is
Track-Proven The Ferrari 499P has claimed three consecutive victories in the last four
the mutual understanding between the development teams regarding the boundary conditions in which the exhaust will operate. This involves sharing methods and experiences that enrich both companies,” adds Lucio.
editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Of the nine tracks on this year’s FIA WEC calendar, only the race at Le Mans takes place on public roads; all
Engineering simulations save time, reduce costs and allow engineers to
the others are held on dedicated racetracks. In addition, a team like Ferrari
focus the real-world testing on the most promising solutions.
Visit With Us
N ico lò Bu le ga , Su per bi k e Wo rld Ch amp io n by Primož Jurman _____ photography Bor Dobrin, Graeme Brown
24 / 27 Visit With Us
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Persistence is key to success T h e sandy be ac h es o f M i sa n o l o o k ev en mor e sp e ci a l d u r i n g t h e Wor ld D u cat i We e k as t h e A dr iat ic S e a is j o in e d by another backdro p o n th e fi rst w eeken d i n J u ly. T h e roa d s a r e awash wi t h b i k e rs on D u cat i moto rcyc l es w e a r in g r ed T-shi rts an d fl ag s featuri n g th e bra n d ’ s logo a r e f ly i n g e v e ry wh e r e . T h i s y e a r, i t was n ot j ust a n ot he r bi kers’ meeti ng , but th e c en tra l ev en t of t h e y e a r ma r k i n g t h e ce n t e n a ry of t h e I ta li a n b r a n d t hat sy m b o l is es a way o f li f e fo r m a n y. A m o n g th e th ro n g s of v i si tors to t h e R i mi n i R i v i e r a we r e D u cat i r ace rs , a l l ow in g t he fa ns , who us ua l ly o n ly s ee th em o n TV s c r e e n s, to me e t a n d gr e e t t h e m i n p e rson . I ta li a n N i c o l ò B ul e ga , t his year’s S up e rbike Wo rl d C h a m pi o n , was o n e of t h e m.
He arrives at the arranged meeting place
decisions,” he says. Calmness is clearly part of
having an innate sense of balance and speed.
on the beach in the company of his fiancée
his character. He speaks deliberately, without
When asked if he felt pressured as a child by
Camilla and their four-legged friend Bubi. After
using big words. He does not make bombastic
his father’s career, he shakes his head. “No. My
greeting us with a smile, he sits down on the
predictions, is self-critical and well aware how
father didn’t force me. He always advised me,
edge of a wooden terrace overlooking the sea
easily things can turn around in motorcycling.
but never made decisions for me. I think that’s
and for a time looks like a normal 26-year-old
why it remained fun.”
Italian enjoying a leisurely summer afternoon.
Start i n g e arly
The illusion does not last long, as a bunch
He comes from the Emilia-Romagna region,
He became the Moto3 Junior World Champion
of people start clamouring for a photo or
where motorcycling is way more than just
in 2015, the class that is considered the
an autograph after we finish talking, revealing
a sport; it is a part of the region’s identity.
main springboard for a rider’s career. Many
his status as one of the biggest stars of the
He was born in 1999 in Montecchio Emilia
of today’s top riders have followed the same
Ducati racing family and one of the best racing
and grew up in the vicinity of Reggio Emilia,
path. It seemed clear at that moment that a truly
riders in the world. He behaves very differently
with motorcycles placed in his cradle, so to
gifted rider arose in Italy. He rode one race
on the track, where there is no room for
speak. His father Davide was also a racer,
in the Moto3 World Championship that same
relaxation; his riding is calm, uncompromising,
so it was impossible for Nicolò not to have
year, before racing the entire year in the 2016
and extremely precise. It looks almost elegant,
bikes in his life. “I don’t remember the moment
Moto3 season, finishing second at the very
as if he never pushes the bike beyond its limits,
when I decided to start racing. I’ve always
first race in Qatar. It seemed the way to the top
even though he rides faster than his rivals. This
been surrounded by motorcycles, always in
was wide open, but events in sport rarely follow
is also why many experts describe him as one
the ‘paddock’, so it felt completely natural
a perfect script. The following seasons brought
of the most technically accomplished riders
to become a racing rider,” he says of his
a slew of injuries, crashes, technical problems
of his generation. “A lot of people think that
beginnings. He got on his first motorcycle at
and disappointments. He never quite managed
you have to be aggressive on a motorcycle
the age of four, with first competitions coming
to convert his potential into consistent results
all the time. In reality, it is more important to
soon thereafter. He stood out already in the
in Moto3, and his move to Moto2 in 2019 also
be calm. If you stay focused, you make better
youngest categories. He rode with ease, as if
failed to bring about the expected breakthrough.
“That was probably the most difficult period
a record 23 victories in 24 races by July. During
of my career. When you are young, you think
our conversation on the beach, children playing
everything will only go up. Then you realise that
near stop by several times. They recognise
this is not so. There come moments when you
him and ask for his autograph. He doesn’t turn
start to doubt yourself.” Has he ever wondered
anyone away, he knows he is now a role model
if he chose the right profession at all?
himself. “When I was a child, I collected racers’
He pauses for a few seconds, before replying,
autographs. It’s nice to be able to give that
“Of course. Every athlete reaches a point like
feeling back. Maybe one of these kids will be on
that. The difference is whether you give up or
a starting line one day.”
persevere and work even harder.”
Fut ure
B re akt hroug h an d t he fi g ht for t he top
Ducati is almost a religion in Italy. Being
It was exactly that perseverance that resulted
an Italian rider for its factory team also means
in the biggest turning point of his career.
extra responsibility. “There is pressure. Being
He moved to the Supersport World
a rider for the Ducati factory team means
Championship (WorldSSP) in 2022, which
you’re trusted. It gives you confidence,”
some felt as a step backwards. It turned out
he says. His name is also increasingly
to be the complete opposite. He became
mentioned in connection with MotoGP.
WorldSSP champion in his second season,
During the interview – right in the middle
proving that he was rightfully considered one
of a demanding WorldSBK season – he
of the greatest talents in Italian motorcycling.
preferred not to engage with the rumours.
“I needed an environment where I could enjoy
“MotoGP is every rider’s dream. I’ll be ready
riding again. When you enjoy it, the results
if the right opportunity arises. But I don’t
come.” The next (logical) step was to move
want to skip steps. I want to achieve all that
up to the Superbike World Championship
I can in WorldSBK first.” And what drives him
(WorldSBK) class for the 2024 season.
the most today? “Progress. If you are better
“A L O T O F P E O P L E T H I N K T H AT Y O U H A V E T O B E A G G R E S S I V E O N A M O T O R C Y C L E A L L T H E T I M E . I N R E A L I T Y, I T I S M O R E I M P O R TA N T T O B E C A L M .”
Ducati gave him a seat in the Aruba.it Racing –
today than yesterday, you’ve done something
Ducati team, which he repaid by finishing
right. And if more victories come, so much the
second overall in the following two seasons.
better,” he answers without skipping a beat.
Joining the factory team was the greatest possible recognition that could be offered by
The sun is slowly setting, accompanied by the
the Bologna-based outfit. There is no room
deep thumping of Ducati’s twin-cylinder engines.
for mediocrity in a team where pressure is
Nicolò sets off to fulfil his other obligations.
that great.
In a few days, however, he will again be diving into turns, braking at the limit of what is possible
Nicolò remained undaunted. He rode maturely,
and fighting for every tenth of a second. After
quickly and, above all, extremely consistently
talking to him, it becomes quite clear that Nicolò
right from the start. He didn’t have to adjust,
Bulega is not just the future of Italian motorcycle
he took the chequered flag at the very first
racing – he is its present. He is not the loudest.
race of the 2024 season, remained in the
He does not make grand statements. His
mix throughout the season and proved he
greatest weapon is something much rarer –
can challenge even the most experienced
patience. When his career hit a dead end, he
WorldSBK riders. “Every motorcycle requires
made no excuses. Instead, he kept going. When
a different approach. Superbike suits me very
others said his time was up, he started a new
well; I can put my racing style to full use here.”
chapter. Perhaps that’s why Nicolò Bulega is
On that note, his style is considered one of
a stronger racer today than he would have been
the most fluid in the championship. He does
if success had come easily. He seems calm and
not take unnecessary risks, he rides smoothly
almost unnoticeable on the beach in Misano. But
and precisely. “The fastest lap is rarely the one
when he lowers his visor, he becomes one of the
where you risk the most, but usually the one that
fastest riders – and a man far from having said
flows best.” In the 2026 season, he had scored
the last word in motorcycling.
24 / 27 Visit With Us
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Driv e With Us
by Gaber Keržišnik
Driving the New Bovensiepen Zagato
ITALY 1:1 GERMANY
photograpy Bor Dobrin
After reaching an old castle wall near the Bavarian town of Buchloe, we were almost stopped by a narrow archway, which proved just wide enough for our car to slip through into a gravel courtyard. There we were welcomed by Mirko Ellenrieder, PR & Event Manager at the boutique automotive manufacturer Bovensiepen. He took us to their atelier/showroom, built in the style of automotive garages of old, including a high wooden ceiling. We found numerous prestigious beauties, coming from the most noble of marques, parked there. Just a few steps further up inside this ‘barn’ is Bovensiepen’s area. In the middle of this beautifully renovated building is a showroom doubling as an office where the buyers of a Bovensiepen can choose and tailor their vehicle to their own specific taste. The model, exterior colour, features, type and colour of leather, stitching thread in the interior... But we were not there to do any of that, we just quickly grabbed the keys to the sky-blue Zagato with the serial number 01 waiting for us outside, and went for a test drive on mountainous roads at Germany’s borders with Switzerland and Austria.
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Bovensiepen is a well-known name in the
still a vehicle that can be used on a daily basis,
car industry. Racing enthusiast and wine
not just on weekends, as is all too often the
connoisseur Burkard Bovensiepen founded
case with some top-tier supercars.
Alpina in 1965, a company specialising in building bespoke cars based on BMW models.
Perfection, Individually Tailored
This is how the story, which is nowadays known
The Bovensiepen Zagato does not hide its
to almost every true automotive enthusiast,
kinship with BMW, a company that has been
began in the town of Buchloe, Bavaria. Alpina
intertwined with Bovensiepen from 1965.
soon became synonymous with perfection and
It is based on the BMW M4, which, despite
exclusivity at the highest level, even becoming
Zagato’s body shell, has nevertheless lent this
recognised as an automobile manufacturer in
car quite a few recognisable components.
its own right rather than an aftermarket tuner.
And these are on full display. Be that as it may,
Burkard Bovensiepen, who died in 2023,
the Bovensiepen Zagato is quite different on
entrusted the company’s management to his
the outside and is modified to a degree that
sons Andreas and Florian 25 years ago, and the
definitely pushes it out of a “just a converted
pair have continued the family tradition (and love)
BMW” category. It is a completely different car,
for fast cars and good wine with undiminished
though with the underlying technology coming
enthusiasm. One of the family’s milestones
from the renowned Munich car manufacturer.
undoubtedly came this year as the brothers set
It goes without saying that each car is made
up their own brand to produce prestigious cars
and assembled essentially by hand and to
under the name of Bovensiepen.
the customer’s order, with each future owner
The 3-litre engine, rated at 450 kW (611 hp), roaring sonorously through the prestigious Akrapovič exhaust made from high-grade titanium, makes it immediately obvious that this car has to be taken seriously.
Milan Design Sparks Bavarian Power
having a free hand in choosing their car’s looks,
The first model offered to well-heeled buyers
both from the outside and the inside. The car’s
was the Zagato, designed by the eponymous
future owner is thus involved in the vehicle’s
Italian studio in Milan. Zagato has a long history
assembly process from the inception, which
in car design, and the blending of Italian design
gives the whole story an even more personal
and German technology made it clear that
and exclusive touch. Exclusive is also how we
something very special was in the making. So,
would describe the feeling behind the steering
Italy 1:1 Germany was our first thought, having
wheel of the GT. The car is manufactured with
driven the Bovensiepen during the 2026 FIFA
German precision and the entire interior is
World Cup meant that watching the previous
covered in leather or coloured Alcantara, which
evening’s matches at a roadside mountain
can also be found on its headliner and side
restaurant became almost an obligatory part
pillars. It was lavender in our case, if you were
of our pit stops, as we cooled the brakes,
wondering. When we first heard the 3-litre
refuelled and topped ourselves up with coffee.
engine, rated at 450 kW (611 hp), roaring sonorously through the prestigious Akrapovič
The Bovensiepen Zagato was unveiled to
exhaust made from high-grade titanium, it
the public as a prototype last year at the
became immediately obvious that this car has
prestigious FuoriConcorso automobile event
to be taken seriously. But, despite the high-
held at Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy, where
powered engine that allows it to get from 0 to
it attracted a lot of interest. No surprise there,
100 km/h in just over three seconds, Zagato’s
as this is a true Gran Turismo luxury and sports
smooth characteristics and 8-speed automatic
car in every respect, something seemingly
transmission ensure that it is still a car that
increasingly rare in the flood of SUVs.
its lucky owner can use on a daily basis.
Its design is distinctly sporty/coupé-ish, but
Exceptional acceleration, fantastic handling and
Zagato is simultaneously distinguished by the
braking performance ensure that the Zagato
fact that, despite its power and exclusivity, it is
will remain elusive on winding mountain roads
Bus:Stop Bränden by Sou Fujimoto
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Bus:Stop Moos by Rintala Eggertsson
for most of its competition. When pushed, it
Born in Bavaria, Made for Alpine Curves
If your interest got piqued, Krumbach is easily
immediately transforms from a daily driver into
Our days with the new, somewhat James
accessible on the Internet or a map, but if you
a powerful racer while remaining completely
Bond-esque Bovensiepen Zagato passed
want a Bovensiepen’s Zagato, you will have
stable and navigating with ease even through
by all too quickly. We would have liked a few
to travel to Buchloe, as their slogan “Born
the most demanding turns. Its weight is
more days as, in addition to a fantastic car, we
and made in Buchloe” makes clear. Orders
certainly a contributing factor, as 1,875 kg is
also enjoyed beautiful weather on Bavaria’s
are already being accepted, but beware, with
relatively light-weight for modern coupés, with
winding mountain roads, which allowed us
a price tag of more than €400k, Zagato’s
the low weight due to the use of numerous
to sightsee the region’s cultural, historic and
exclusivity does not come cheap. You will
body parts made from carbon fibre. The 611 hp
natural attractions. We also briefly crossed
still have to hurry, as the series is limited to
under the bonnet and a width of 1,913 mm
the border into Austria to visit the small village
99 cars. In exchange for your hard-earned
meanwhile make sure that the Bovensiepen
of Krumbach, which, years ago, ingeniously
money, you will get an exclusive, German-made
Zagato does not get flustered by even the
decided to invite seven world-class architects
car, on which the designers spent more than
fastest of bends and does not deviate from the
(from Japan, Chile, China, Belgium, Norway,
250 hours, meticulously poring over every
line even by a millimetre, unless the driver wants
Spain and Russia) to design original
detail. Burkard Bovensiepen, obsessed with
it to. The excellent driving characteristics are
minimalist bus stops in exchange for a free
details and quality, would undoubtedly have
also due to its Bilstein chassis, a menu allowing
holiday in the village, and then built them with
heartily approved!
the driver to choose between comfort, sport
the aid of local craftsmen and artisans, using
and sport plus modes, and the lightweight
only locally-sourced materials. Needless to
20-inch wheels, which blend beautifully and
say, the unique bus stops quickly gained this
harmoniously with the vehicle.
small village a place on the world map.
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Bus:Stop Unterkrumbach Süd by De Vylder Vinck Taillieu
Bovensiepen 05 GT
The same, but very different
28 / 33 Drive With Us
If the Bovensiepen Zagato feels a bit too
tailpipes. But what is particularly impressive
Bavaria for an afternoon. Behind the wheel and
sporty, too coupé-ish and/or is out of
is this supercar’s fuel consumption.
on the inside, the 05 GT offers more space
your wallet’s range, Buchloe might have
Bovensiepen claims that driving smoothly
and comfort than the Zagato. The immense
an intriguing option for you in the guise of
will let you traverse 100 km on less than six
torque unleashes a truck-like pulling power,
a radically modified BMW M5 Touring with
litres of premium-grade petrol. We opted
resulting in a long and brutal increase in speed
more than 589 kW (800 hp). The ultimate
not to drive sparingly this time round and so
that feels like it is never going to end, as if you
powerhouse of every family driver who
recorded a significantly higher fuel usage,
were in a runaway freight train stuck in full
possesses a healthy dose of racing
but, hey, German motorways are some of
acceleration. The feeling truly is incredible.
enthusiasm, the Bovensiepen 05 GT combines
the few remaining places that give drivers
This car, while featuring a family-sized cabin
family comfort and a spacious luggage
such freedom. Ultimately, this car is built for
and a spacious boot, is bound to give any
compartment with a powerful eight-cylinder
drives like this.
supercar you meet on the road a run for its
turbocharged engine, 21-inch wheels and
The Bovensiepen 05 GT is exquisite both
money, even with all the family onboard.
Eibach suspension, making this beast quite
on the inside and out, not to mention the
The Bovensiepen 05 GT comes really close
a unique proposition for all roads. At just under
jewel hidden under the bonnet. Lucky us!
to my dream car for daily usage. Even though
€200k or thereabouts, depending on your
After returning the Zagato, we were able to
it doesn’t bring quite the same exclusivity as
selected features, it comes equipped with
double-dip, with Bovensiepen kindly providing
a Zagato, I do believe I could get used to it
the sound of an Akrapovič exhaust with four
a metallic red 05 GT to take around Allgäu in
rather quickly. Highly recommended!
//Si Vožnja novega Bovensiepen Zagato: ITALIJA – NEMČIJA 1 : 1 Družina Bovensiepen, ustanoviteljica legendarne znamke Alpina, je predstavila svojo lastno znamko, ki nosi njen priimek, njen prvi model pa je ekskluzivni Zagato, oblikovan v Milanu in zasnovan na BMW-ju M4. Prav k njim smo se odpravili v bližino bavarskega mesteca Buchloe, kjer so nas v kreativno-prodajnem salonu, urejenem v slogu starodavnih avtomobilističnih garaž z visokim lesenim stropom, pričakali številni prestižni lepotci različnih znamk, ki jih lahko naročniki prilagodijo povsem po svojem okusu. Tam smo prevzeli sinje moder Zagato s serijsko oznako 01 in se z njim odpeljali proti bližnjim zavitim gorskim cestam. Ročno izdelani GT združuje italijanski dizajn, nemško natančnost, 450 kW (611 KM), lahka ogljikova vlakna in presenetljivo vsakodnevno uporabnost. Na cesti navduši z izjemnimi pospeški, fantastično lego in brutalnim dirkalnim značajem. Serija je omejena na 99 vozil, od katerih je prav vsako izdelano z izjemno pozornostjo.
St ory
by Gaber Keržišnik photography Brian J. Nelson, Rahal Ducati
“The sweetest victory is when everything goes wrong throughout the weekend, but then the stars align on race day.”
34 / 37 Story
K AY L A YA A K O V – A P O R T R A I T
THE DOORS ARE OPEN! I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING HER CAREER FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BUT SHE REALLY LEFT ME SPEECHLESS THIS YEAR WHEN, FIGHTING FOR THE PODIUM, SHE OVERTOOK FORMER MOTOGP RIDER DARRYN BINDER WITH A DARING MANOEUVRE IN THE FINAL METRES TO GET ON THE THIRD STEP OF THE PODIUM AT THE FAMOUS DAYTONA 200. A GIRL ON A DUCATI ON THE PODIUM OF A MOTORCYCLE RACE IN DAYTONA? AGED ONLY 18? NO WAY! A SENSATION. I MUST SPEAK TO HER AND FIND OUT WHAT THIS DAREDEVIL IS ALL ABOUT. After making history at Daytona in America,
of coaching by Casey Stoner himself at
by becoming the first female to stand on the
this summer’s World Ducati Week (WDW)
podium in the 84 years of the Daytona 200,
that marked the 100 th anniversary of the
Kayla Yaakov was so busy that it was nigh
legendary Italian brand. We sat down for
impossible to reach her. I only managed to
coffee in the always flawless hospitality
exchange a few words, before finally being
unit run by Alpinestars, also her protective
able to catch up with her during the United
gear supplier, and immediately got into
States MotoGP race at Austin, where she,
a relaxed chat.
visiting as a guest, casually strolled around the paddock and the teams’ garages, chatting
Early Beginnings, Big Ambitions
with this or that MotoGP rider. She was invited
I quickly learnt that Kayla graduated from
by Ducati and spent most of her time in their
school early and is now able to ride her
garage. Her role model and idol is Marc
bike every day. She loves listening to music
Márquez and she is also friends with Toprak
and likes playing musical instruments.
Razgatlıoğlu, with whom she sometimes texts
She regularly exercises, cycles and runs,
after a race. Her dreams came true a bit after
but by-and-large you will find her
our chat when she became the first woman
on a supermoto. She has been
to ride a Ducati MotoGP motorcycle – Marc Márquez’s one at that – while receiving a bit
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34 / 37 Story
interested in motorcycles and racing since
did so aged ten. She has never looked back.
Asked how she keeps up with her competition
she was a child, inspired by her father Dave,
She won three different championships aged
and what racing is currently like in the USA, she
a former racer and a well-known name on
ten, adding an additional four a year later as
believes that the level of racing in the country
the American racing scene. Dave guided
well as bagging the AMA’s Novice Racer of
is very high at the moment, that the organiser
her through the beginnings, helped her gain
the Year award. “When I was 14, I became
MotoAmerica is doing a great job, but that it will
experience and take part in races, and remains
a professional racer and that has remained
still take some time before it reaches the level it
by her side today as she builds a successful
my dream ever since. Racing motorcycles and
was at decades ago.
career as a professional racer under the
winning races,” said the youngster, adding
auspices of the MotoAmerica organisation.
that she has won nearly 500 races so far, but
The Changing Landscape of Racing
Kayla currently rides a Ducati in the Rahal
still enjoys each race as much as the first.
“The golden years of racing in the USA were
Ducati Moto team, founded a few years ago
“The sweetest victory is when everything goes
when Mat Mladin and Ben Spies were duking
by the famous Rahal racing family, including
wrong throughout the weekend, but then the
it out. The sport has become too expensive,
legend Bobby Rahal and his son Graham, both
stars align on race day. It happened this year
even for American pockets. Our country is very
well-known racing drivers and multiple winners
in Daytona, when we struggled with problems
big and traveling to different racing venues
of the most famous races in the American
all day, but on Saturday I felt great in the main
takes a lot of time and money. The spectators
IndyCar Series. The Rahal Ducati Moto team
race on my Ducati and was able to finish ahead
are moreover lured by MotoGP and Formula 1,
entrusted the management of its motorcycle
of many more experienced racers and famous
which are becoming increasingly popular
team to Texan Ben Spies, a former MotoGP
racing names.”
in the USA. They are doing a good job. I think we need more young racers and cup
rider and WorldSBK World champion, who immediately recognised young Kayla’s
Steeled by Experience
championships, which act as springboards
racing potential.
How exactly does the young Kayla do that? Not
for the youngest racers.” What about falls and
only is she surrounded by male competitors,
injuries? These too are an integral part of this
Growing Up on the Racetrack
she is also one of the youngest. “Few people
sport. Kayla does not fear them and believes
“Like most racers, I started on a mini
know that I have a large number of races
she can cope well. She suffered a knee injury,
motocross bike. I first got on one when I was
under my belt. I have steeled myself in various
but quickly got back into the saddle. “I am an
four years old. Well, to be completely honest,
championships on several continents. I’ve
advocate of getting back on the bike as soon as
I was karting even before that. At the age of
also raced in Europe and faced the tough
possible. Well, not exactly like Márquez, not too
seven, I took part in my first races on a MiniGP
competition in the Spanish and Italian
soon… You have to wait until the injury is fully
bike and won my first championship, repeating
championships. I’ve logged a ton of racing
healed, the body has to be ready. Apart from
the feat the next year,” Kayla began her story.
kilometres. I’ve gained a lot of experience
that, you should grab those handlebars ASAP.”
She started racing on normal motorcycles
despite my youth, apart from being very lucky
at the age of nine, becoming the youngest
to having always had great mentors by my
Toward the Global Grid
American to face-off against adults – and the
side. This is the path to success. Sometimes
And what will the future bring? Where does
youngest to win – beating a record previously
I see a guy having a hard time because he was
the young Kayla see herself a few years from
held by the legendary Nicky Hayden, who
beaten by a girl, but hey... It is what it is.”
now? “Many would like to see me racing
“Many would like to see me racing in the Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, but that’s not where I want to be right now. The Ducati-Akrapovič in the Women’s Circuit Racing World
package suits me.”
Championship, but that’s not where I want to be right now. I’m in a great team and have a great bike. The Ducati-Akrapovič
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package suits me. I like racing where I’m at right now. One day I’d like to race professionally in Europe or in the World Championship, but it has to be done one step at a time. First the American
37
Superbike Championship and then the World Championship.” And then onwards to MotoGP. “The doors are open. The current level of racing in the USA is very high, and I want to be as well prepared as possible for the next step.” With a laugh before saying goodbye, she adds that she is looking forward to the years to come, because they will undoubtedly be full of challenges and new opportunities.
Ben Spies and Kayla Yaakov
Story
by Matevž Hribar photograpy BMW, Profimedia
Macau
– Asia’s Racing Phenomenon
Courage Cannot Be Bought. Or Can It? Let us start with a hook: did you know that Macau was under Portuguese rule until 1999? That it is the world’s most densely populated territory – more crowded than Dhaka or Manila? That Macau’s legalised gambling enterprises generate several times more revenue than those in that notorious gambling paradise, Las Vegas? Onwards to racing. Did you know that all of the circuit’s corners are blind? And that racers worry about two things only at the Macau GP: the wall on the left and the wall on the right? I think that is enough of a teaser to keep you reading – or inspire you to experience the Macau Grand Prix in person.
38 / 43 Story
“A lot of risk is calculated when we’re racing, some things are outside your control. Although racing is not gambling, there are a few similarities between the two.” – Davey Todd
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BMW dominated the 2025 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, with Davey Todd taking the victory and Peter Hickman and Erno Kostamo finishing in second and third.
In order to begin to grasp what makes the Macau Grand Prix so unique compared to other circuits around the world, both old and new, we need to start with history. The first European to reach China by sea was Portugal’s Jorge Alvares who dropped by in 1513. The Portuguese and the Ming Dynasty did not exactly see eye-to-eye regarding who should control trade so the Portuguese eventually established themselves on an island in the Pearl River Delta. Well, they actually leased it for an annual rent of around 20 kilograms of silver. They were not supposed to build defensive walls or arm themselves, though they quite soon had to as Macau needed defending against first the Dutch and, later, the British. Some blood was shed over rent payments 1990 Macau Grand Prix winner Michael Schumacher
before the Portuguese relinquished control of Macau in 1999 after 442 years of rule. In accordance with the deal, China agreed
38 / 43 Story
different. Because of the barriers, you can’t see the corners when you hang off the bike, you have to ride off the line you’d usually be on,” he describes the specific nature of a circuit characterised by very tight and very fast sections. “Also, the time you’re racing is weird, most of the time we walk to the pitlane in the dark, there’s no other race we do that at, so that’s different too.” The schedule is packed because streets do not close to traffic until vibrant visuals that bring the colourful and
6 am. The circuit inspection takes place from
kitschy atmosphere of Macau right on to
between 6:30 and 7:00, and is immediately
your home TV. But phoneys are less likely
followed by the first qualifying sessions or
to be found on a racetrack, a setting that
races. This applies to both two- and four-wheel
requires exceptional handling skills as well
machines, which usually feature unique and
as a significant amount of courage. Should
vibrant liveries for the occasion. One weekend
racing be considered a game of chance
can see races in regional Formula and touring
as well, then? Best to ask those who have
car series, as well as a motorcycle Grand Prix,
already raced at, arguably, the most unique
though not the MotoGP class. Macau has also
road racing venue in the world. Kelvin van
never hosted a Formula 1 race as it does not
der Linde (BMW M Motorsport works
meet safety standards. Understandable.
driver) competes in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, the FIA World
How did the idea for an ‘Asian Monte Carlo’
Endurance Championship (WEC), as well as
come about? It all began in 1954 as a sort
the Macau GP. “For me, yes – especially in
of treasure hunt through the city streets.
not to change Macau’s economic and
qualifying in Macau. It’s all about putting a lot
Motorcyclists joined the racing lineup in 1967,
political systems for 50 years following
of risk in that one lap. You can end up in the
and the circuit’s layout has remained largely
the handover.
wall and lose everything, or you can put the car
unchanged since 1957 – save for 1993,
on pole and in the end win everything.”
when the pit and paddock complex was relocated. One lap around the Guia Circuit
Playground For The (Very) Rich Crucial to Macau’s development following the
Opinions differ, though. As do games of
on the Macau Peninsula is 6.2 kilometres
handover was breaking free from government
chance, various racing vehicles, and their
long with an elevation change of 30 metres.
monopoly on gambling and welcoming outside
inherent risks. Kelvin races behind the wheel
The track is very narrow, measuring no more
investors. Its economy grew at double-digit
of a BMW M4 GT3 EVO and, while one
than seven metres at its narrowest, tricky for
rates between 2002 and 2014, gambling
would certainly not want to underestimate
overtaking, and full of bumps. Consequently,
revenues overtook Las Vegas, and GDP per
the skills involved in either, the level of risk
it is considered one of the most challenging
capita surged from approximately €12,900
is undeniably higher on two-wheels than
circuits, both in terms of racing and set up.
in 1999 to more than €64,500 in 2025.
on four. Motorcycle racer Davey Todd (Monster
For comparison, Hong Kong – accessible from
Energy BMW Motorrad by 8Ten Racing)
Someone who knows and has mastered the
Macau via a one-hour high-speed ferry ride or
thus, perhaps unsurprisingly, holds a different
track well, having won on it four times, is
a 55-kilometre tunnel-and-bridge system (the
view. “Definitely not. People might see it in
Todd’s teammate and rival, Peter Hickman.
longest sea-crossing road link in the world) –
that kind of way, that we’re gambling with our
“Of all the tracks I’ve ever ridden at, this is
has a GDP per capita of just over €48,200.
lives, but I doubt that’s really the case. A lot
the only one where every corner is blind.
of risk is calculated when we’re racing, but of
Instead of run-off areas, there are steel and
Is Racing Gambling?
course there’s still risk there, some things are
concrete walls. You really, really need to know
A distinctive feature of Macau’s casinos is that
outside your control. Although I believe racing
exactly where you are and what’s coming.”
they attract ‘high rollers’, betting for massive
is not gambling, there are a few similarities
His favourite race is the one in 2016. “I raced
stakes. Sure, there might be the occasional
between the two.”
on a Kawasaki for the entire season; I’ve never sat on a BMW, let alone trained on it.
phoney, like the character played by Colin Farrell in the Ballad of a Small Player, which,
Packed Schedule, Difficult to Overtake At
I qualified in seventh on a BMW S 1000 RR,
despite its relatively low IMDb rating of 5.9,
Davey Todd is familiar with the streets
got off to a brilliant start, took the lead a lap
I heartily recommend, particularly due to its
of Macau. “The way you race is very unique,
and a half from the end, and won.”
Superstar Factory and Pile-Up Hazard A strong result by a young racer in Macau can be a promising sign. In 1983, the same year he became the British Formula 3 champion, Ayrton Senna won the inaugural Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix. Less than six months later he moved to Formula 1, claiming his first world champion title in the elite class five years later. Kevin Schwantz won on Macau’s streets on a 500 cm3 two-stroke bike in 1988, five years before becoming the 500 cm3 world champion. One of the most epic battles came in 1990, starring Mika Häkkinen and Michael Schumacher. The Finn made several feints trying to overtake the German before making his move too aggressively and crashing in the final lap – first into Schumacher’s Reynard, then the left-hand barrier, then the right, then slamming his gloves angrily against the asphalt. Schumacher won his first Formula 1 world title in 1994 in a Benetton, while Häkkinen did so with McLaren in 1998. The circuit is also infamous for its frequent crashes. Accidents happen at all circuits, but if a driver fails to brake precisely on Macau’s unpredictable asphalt, it is highly
have to change tyres on the race cars at night.
the nightlife in Macau is spectacular. It was
likely they will take someone else out as well.
During the day, they do what mechanics,
always my goal to have something to celebrate
After Finland’s Erno Kostamo crashed in the
team managers, and photographers do, but at
on Sunday night. Unfortunately, it didn’t
Police corner in 2019, five more superbikes
night… they party.
work out with the win yet, but we had a few podiums already. So, I got a taste of what it
followed, fortunately without any fatalities. Though, that is not always the case. Seventeen
Raffaele Marciello, who finished second in
is like to celebrate big there, but there is still
people have lost their lives since 1967, nine
the FIA GT World Cup in Macau last year
a difference between victory and a podium,”
motorcyclists, five car drivers, one spectator,
racing for the ROWE Racing team, had this to
said Van der Linde.
one firefighter, and a random passerby, born
say about the city’s nightlife. “After the race
under a devastatingly unlucky star.
on Sunday, we usually all go out together to
But, as the saying goes, what happens in
celebrate. We normally go to the same club,
Vegas, stays in Vegas. It applies to Macau
Daytime Racing and Nighttime Action
and the atmosphere there is always very
as well. Davey Todd had the following
The Macau circuit features two grandstands as
special – and a bit crazier than in Europe, but
experience. “A very rich guy took us for
well as countless apartments and hotel rooms
always great fun.”
a dinner to a super fancy restaurant once, we got a private room, and they start pouring out
overlooking the fiercely competitive track. But what makes the Macau GP, scheduled for
It does not matter where in Macau you are,
some really expensive wine for everybody,
late November this year, so fascinating apart
you know it is time for the Macau GP thanks
really expensive, I’ve never had anything that
from racing itself, is the circuit. Because the
to the posters and the flyers in the hotels.
expensive in my life… Apparently it’s good luck
city is the circuit. And it is packed with hotels,
Hotels sometimes even sponsor the drivers
to throw the first glass of wine under the table,
restaurants, casinos, and clubs lining the
themselves, so the race machines are parked
and the guy that took us out for a dinner, made
streets where old European (Portuguese) style
right there in the lobby. “You see a lot of
us do that.”
intertwines with modern, larger-than-life and
posters when you drive from the airport to the
brightly illuminated architecture. Rumour has
track. You also just feel that there is a buzz
Who knows, it might just work. Give it a try
it that many staff members sleep far less there
in the paddock. Everybody is in good spirits.
before you sit down at the roulette table at
than at other places. And not because they
And the parties after the race are great, as
Grand Lisboa Casino next time.
38 / 43 Story
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//Si Macao – azijski dirkaški fenomen: Poguma se ne da kupiti. Ali pač?
Macao, do leta 1999 portugalska kolonija, danes velja za eno najgosteje poseljenih območij na svetu in je globalna prestolnica iger na srečo, kjer prihodki presegajo celo tiste v Las Vegasu. Ob dirkaških koncih tedna se mestne ulice spremenijo v dirkališče, kjer se evropska kolonialna arhitektura prepleta z bleščečimi hoteli in kazinoji. Vrhunec predstavlja znameniti Macau Grand Prix. Zgodovina te edinstvene ulične dirke sega v leto 1954. Motociklisti so se na njej pridružili leta 1967, a trasa se že od leta 1957 ni bistveno spremenila. Dolga je 6,2 km, ima 30 m višinske razlike, je zelo ozka, vsi zavoji so slepi. Asfalt na njej je nestanoviten, poln grbin, neprijetna je za prehitevanje, saj so ograje povsod nevarno blizu. Prav kombinacija zahtevne trase Guia Circuit in mestnega vrveža pa ustvarja fenomenalno vzdušje, ki se po dirki nadaljuje še dolgo v noč.
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Bike Stuff
Bike Stuff
by Mitja Reven
Akrapovič exhaust systems are designed for riders who demand maximum performance from their motorcycles. They feature exceptional production quality, hi-tech materials, increased engine performance and all come with amazing sound and appearance as standard. The change is also visual, as Akrapovič mufflers perfectly fit the exterior line of modern motorcycles and add a clean racing image.
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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR + 8.2 kW (+ 11.1 hp) at 8,550 rpm + 13.4 Nm at 3,600 rpm - 4.9 kg (- 42.5 %)
Suzuki SV-7GX + 1.8 kW (+ 2.4 hp) at 6,000 rpm + 1.4 Nm at 6,000 rpm - 1.5 kg (- 34.6 %)
BMW R 1300 RT + 0.5 kW (+ 0.7 hp) at 7,700 rpm + 1.1 Nm at 2,500 rpm - 1.5 kg (- 35.0 %) BMW F 450 GS + 0.4 kW (+ 0.6 hp) at 9,300 rpm + 0.3 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Honda CB650R / CBR650R + 1.1 kW (+ 1.5 hp) at 12,000 rpm + 2.3 Nm at 3,500 rpm - 4.0 kg (- 37.7 %)
Aprilia RSV4 + 2.1 kW (+ 2.9 hp) at 12,500 rpm + 1.6 Nm at 10,000 rpm - 1.8 kg (- 35.3 %)
Because of the world-wide distribution of Akrapovič d.d. products, we make no representation that the products shown comply with the air, noise or other emission laws of your jurisdiction. Hence, please make sure you have all the relevant information before you consider purchasing any of the products. You are welcome to contact our local partner in your country if you have any questions or turn to page 4 and our website at www.akrapovic.com for additional information.
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Car Stuff by Mitja Reven
Car Stuff
Check out the latest Akrapovič aftermarket exhaust systems and optional carbon-fibre products for cars. By using only the best materials in combination with high-tech know-how and exquisite craftsmanship of Akrapovič employees, the company has created a package that stands out from everything else on the market.
BMW M2 Coupé / M2 CS (G87) + 3.9 kW (+ 5.3 hp) at 2,800 rpm, + 13.5 Nm at 2,800 rpm, - 7.3 kg (- 32.7 %), Titanium
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé / Cabriolet (C236 / A236) + 4.6 kW (+ 6.3 hp) at 5,650 rpm, + 7.7 Nm at 5,650 rpm, - 6.3 kg (- 34.6 %), Titanium
Porsche Cayenne S / GTS / Turbo E-Hybrid / Coupé (536.2) + 4.0 kW (+ 5.4 hp) at 2,100 rpm, + 18.6 Nm at 2,050 rpm, - 11.9 kg (- 45.0 %), Titanium
Cupra Formentor VZ5 + 7.8 kW (+ 10.6 hp) at 2,800 rpm, + 27.3 Nm at 2,750 rpm, - 12.6 kg (- 49.6 %), Titanium
Ride With Us
by Ignacio Escriche photography Rally Cool Photography / Quest Series
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Montenegro Quest 2026
Having a motorcycle trip planned on my calendar is as essential to me as breathing. It gives me something to dream about and makes everyday life easier. The plan for 2026 was one of the easiest I’ve ever made. Following the success of their Bosnia event, ADV Spirit was launching the second Quest Series in Montenegro. Proven routes, great organisation, a friendly non-competitive atmosphere, and a satellite tracking system for added security, checked all the right boxes. With so many good reasons to go, I simply couldn’t refuse.
NAVIGATION FOR THE RIDE, NATURE FOR THE SOUL
Montenegro Quest is an off-road motorcycle adventure event that is part of the Quest Series. This edition’s playground featured more than 40 checkpoints across 10,000 square kilometres of terrain that included some of the best of Montenegro’s hidden gems, such as Prokletije or Durmitor mountain ranges. Montenegro is a paradise for off-road lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts. Despite its small size, the country is home to some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe. Towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, deep canyons, and amazing forests create a perfect setting for adventure. The event brought together teams of three to six riders aiming to explore, rather than competing for speed, to adventure and to connect with local communities. During the four days that the event lasted we had to work together, make strategic choices and experience the authentic Montenegro far beyond the usual tourist routes.
From Enchanted Forrests and Lakes … We got 10 different loops around the
country with more than 1,000 kilometres, with the basecamp located in Kolašin, one of Montenegro’s premium mountain destinations and a gateway to some of the country’s most unforgettable riding terrain. For the first day my team decided to ride towards Durmitor National Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the north part of the country. It offers breathtaking trails and the famous Black Lake, where we had time for a quick swim, surrounded by stunning peaks, more than 2,000 metres high. One famous tale from Durmitor tells of mountain fairies who protected the forests and lakes, appearing only to kind-hearted travellers. It seems we are exactly these kinds of travellers,
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as we were gifted with such an unforgettable experience there. This has been a journey through the wild heart of Montenegro, where every trail led to a new discovery.
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… to Striking Peaks and Meadows
The next treasure, which we found during the second day of riding, was at Komovi, which is a Dinaric Alp massif known for its dramatic limestone peaks, alpine meadows and Katuns, a traditional shepherd settlement. We stopped by Eko Katun Štavna, where we enjoyed delicious homemade cheeses, cured meats and fresh bread, that were truly a reward after an exhausting day of riding.
Respect and Support for Local Communities ADV Spirit, Quest Series organiser, arranged in advance a one-year card access to all Nature Parks in the country. That gave all the participants the opportunity to freely decide which legal trails in the area to choose to explore. Responsible motorcycle tourism promotes protection of natural areas, following designated routes, respecting wildlife, avoiding sensitive habitats, and adhering to the principle of leave no trace. As Roman Bale, the enduro guru behind the Quest Series tracks, explained to us: “Our mission isn’t just to explore the world’s unsurfaced roads, but to ensure they will still be open for those who follow.” Beside this respect to the areas, we spent money on remote mountain villages, familyrun guesthouses, local restaurants and small businesses, preserving traditional lifestyles, cultural heritage, local craftsmanship and leaving a positive impact on local communities. On the top of Bjelasica ski centre, for instance, we stopped by a wooden stall. I only wish I had had more space in my bags to take home more local products. The two jars of wild strawberry marmalade I bought disappeared in no time.
Camaraderie in the Heights
After collecting many of the check points during the first two days riding north and central areas of the country, the third day we headed south in
“Our mission isn’t just to explore the world’s unsurfaced roads, but to ensure they will still be open for those who follow.” – Roman Bale (event organiser)
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search of Prokletije Mountains, one of the most
the moments that stay with you long after
discovering other trails. Perhaps we needed to
spectacular mountain regions in the Balkans.
the adventure ends.
get lost to find ourselves. Maybe our team did not accept that the next day we had to start our
It rises along the borders of Montenegro,
Lost on Purpose
way back home.
combination of challenging mountain roads,
for the final day of riding. Biogradsko Lake,
hidden valleys, and breathtaking panoramas.
surrounded by centuries-old trees, provided
Beyond the Paved Roads
The last evening together we had a great party
the perfect ending to our adventure. There,
in Kolašin. A total of 77 riders from 8 different
The true meaning of teamwork proved
we found silence and peace after demanding
countries gathered for a final moment together
indispensable during this part of the journey.
trails and warm hospitality and riding through
before the next Quest Series will bring us
It doesn’t matter what motorcycle or brand
remote paths and untamed landscapes.
to Albania next year. And yes, I definitely have
you ride; what truly matters is who rides
Nature revealed itself in its purest and most
a plan for my main 2027 moto adventure. I love
beside you. In the toughest moments – whether
authentic form – untouched by time and
being a part of this community, sharing the
tackling a steep technical uphill or dealing
modernity. This day was very special as the
good vibes with the rest of the participants, the
with a punctured tyre – it is teamwork what
event was coming to an end. The navigation
stories that will remain in our hearts forever, the
makes the difference. The challenges soon
device showed us where to ride, but the
plans that will soon come true, the adventure
fade, but the camaraderie remains. When
mountains showed us why we were there.
off-road as a way of living. We are the kind
your teammates turn every obstacle into
And we got lost many times, on purpose,
of travellers who find magic where the paved
a hilarious story or a shared laugh, those are
of course. Missing the junction, exploring and
road disappears.
Albania and Kosovo, the so-called Triple Border. The Accursed peaks hide a unique
We saved Biogradska Gora National Park
“To be honest, I didn’t really understand how the Quest Series would play out as a concept, given the popularity of traditional rally-style events around the world. But after the first day of riding with my friends on the Quest, I was completely immersed in the relaxed pace, freedom of trail choice and the random meetings with small groups of riders out in the Mountains… everybody is on their own unique adventure inside the same event, and the anticipation of finding the waypoint markers gives a strategic purpose to what is otherwise a really fun day on the bike. And you get to do it for four-days straight, on new trails each day. We didn’t even cover half of the available routes, and we didn’t even care… that’s the magic of the Quest!” – Adam Riemann (Motology Films)
“For me the Quest Series is the best way to discover the Balkans.” – Guido Kottman (participant from Germany)
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MONTENEGRO QUEST 2026: NAVIGACIJA ZA VOŽNJO, NARAVA ZA DUŠO Montenegro Quest je štiridnevna navigacijska pustolovščina, ki je 77 udeležencev iz osmih držav popeljala skozi več kot 40 kontrolnih točk in najlepše predele Črne gore. Ekipe so na poti raziskovale razgibane pokrajine pogorij Durmitor, Komovi in Prokletije, kjer se odpirajo osupljivi pogledi na divje poti, kristalna jezera, globoke soteske in neokrnjene gozdove. Z obiskom gorskih vasi, družinskih gostišč in malih ponudnikov spodbuja odgovoren motoristični turizem, spoštovanje narave ter podporo lokalnim skupnostim. Poleg izzivov, s katerimi se vozniki srečujejo na terenu, pa je pomembna tudi ekipna povezanost, saj vsaka težava postane priložnost za skupno izkušnjo. Končni izkupiček pa je občutek, da se je treba včasih namenoma izgubiti.
Inte r vie w
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52
“Genie auf Rädern”* is how Niki Lauda described Walter Röhrl, stressing his belief that the German is the best racing driver of all time. The high praise from the Austrian is even more impactful when we learn that Walter only became a racing driver by chance in his mid-twenties, having previously focused on skiing and rowing and was also supposed to take over the family’s stonemasonry business. He combined his exceptional driving talent and feel for taking the smoothest and shortest line through corners with his tenacity, precision and perseverance. Ever the perfectionist, Walter won the Rally Monte-Carlo four times, each time with a different marque, became World Rally Champion twice, successfully raced in endurance races, including Le Mans, and, above all, never compromised. Both regarding racing, and even more so in financial matters. He stayed true to himself and thus perhaps missed out on a million or two, a title, a record, a laurel... Walter has long been an enthusiastic and excellent cyclist, a driving instructor and Porsche ambassador, a staunch critic of battery-powered vehicles, and still craves perfection at the age of 79.
by Miran Ališič photography Bor Dobrin, Audi, Lancia, Opel
* Genius on wheels
Interview with Walter Röhrl
I STILL CUT THE CORNERS
-
F R O M
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K E R B
T O
K E R B !
We are in the village of Tschagguns in
Where then did the automotive industry,
Austria’s Montafon valley, where the
German in particular, get it wrong, thus
Silvretta Classic Rally, a vintage car
landing some of the world’s leading
tournament, is taking place. You live
automakers in serious trouble?
near Regensburg in Germany, so how did
The main blame lies with the EU. They made the
you get here?
decision together with Germany’s competitors,
As a front-seat passenger, this time in a diesel-
whether Italy or France or others who do not
powered Porsche Macan. It was driven by
produce luxury or sports cars. They make small
a young colleague who helps me with my media
cars only and believed they could step on
activities. It took us about four and a half hours
Germany’s toes. It started with all the emission
to get here.
restrictions, which hit German brands the hardest. It’s similar with the Chinese. They
Are you a good co-pilot then?
don’t believe that an electric car is better either,
No, no, that I am not. I have to know who’s
but they are now in a position where they can
driving, I really don’t like riding with strangers.
produce something that allows them to compete
Dominik has been with me for years, he’s also at
with Germans. Moreover, you can’t drive an
my driving school. He’s learnt how to drive well
electric car fast, these are cars to be driven
and properly.
slowly, which plays into the hands of everyone who is not at the same technological level as
Can you imagine making the trip in
the German premium brands. The Chinese have
an electric Porsche?
a better grasp of electronics than the Germans,
Only with difficulty. I’d have to charge the
but a worse grasp of mechanics.
battery at least once. I’ve said many times that charging additionally restricts my freedom
What is your forecast for the next few
and I don’t need that. I’m used to filling up my
decades regarding mobility?
Porsche with 90 litres of petrol and then driving
Electric cars certainly won’t disappear.
without worries for about 800 kilometres. It
Technology and infrastructure will keep
doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing, hot
improving, politicians will use all means to try
or cold, which is not the case with electric
and convince people that driving with fossil
vehicles. In winter, people wear coats so as not
fuels has become expensive. This is already
to waste too much energy on heating, in summer
happening in a way. Many people who see
they drive with the windows down because
a car only as a means of transportation from
they don’t want to deplete the battery with air
point A to point B will choose the option that is
conditioning. Is this the solution to mobility?
financially more beneficial. For me, driving is fun
Not for me.
and the car is the main provider of this fun – but an electric car fails at that.
Can you, perhaps, imagine having fun with an electric car?
Because a real car needs sound, smell
Electric cars can be exciting to drive, but
and vibrations…
unfortunately for a very limited and too short
Exactly. A car without sound is no fun, it makes
a time. I drove one last week and had quite
no sense. About a year ago I reviewed an
a bit of fun. I just don’t want to take a trip in
electric Hyundai for a magazine and it came
one. An electric car can be fun when driving on
with a switch that allowed the car to emulate
hilly roads with friends – for an hour and a half.
engine noise. That Hyundai suddenly became
But if I have to constantly keep an eye on the
interesting because it artificially created engine
range when stepping on the gas, the fun quickly
noise when shifting down, accelerating, etc.
disappears. Well, unless I have enough money
This is the essence of driving a car, at least for
to own a second electric car for a bit of Sunday
me. When I drive, my mind is never somewhere
fun, that I am able to always charge it at home,
else, I always focus on everything in front of me
and never have to use a public charging station.
and around me, I drive from kerb to kerb with centimetre precision. If there’s no traffic on the
Even environmentally speaking, electric
road, I cut every corner, every single one!
cars have no noteworthy advantages, since their construction involves the ecologically
With as little steering as possible then?
controversial production of huge and
Yes, similar to a race, aiming for the apex by
heavy batteries, while one must also take
going from the outside edge to the inner kerb,
into account where the electricity that
clipping the corner with millimetre precision.
charges these batteries comes from...
I still drive like that if I’m alone on the road.
The production of electric cars alone releases
To return to the previous topic for a moment,
so much CO2 that you would have to drive
internal combustion engines will also survive.
at least 80,000 kilometres with an internal
E-fuel will return as a major topic in the future,
combustion car to get on par.
even though governments and politicians are
52 / 57 Interview
currently brushing it aside. And we’re only discussing personal cars here, we haven’t touched on other road vehicles, large ships, airplanes… We will never move all of them to battery power. I use synthetic fuel a lot, because I want to let the people and decision-makers see that this is the solution for the future. We are surely not going to scrap the 1.1 billion cars currently driving on our roads and start over, are we? That would surely be the biggest environmental bomb, I think. Running existing cars on fuel that produces no or very little harmful emissions is the answer. However, it is also true that such a solution is not in the interest of car makers, who always want to sell something new. Let’s go back a few decades. I was told that I could distinguish almost any car in the dark by its shape and headlights at the age of three. Was it similar with you? It was, my father was a car enthusiast himself. I got a tin pedal car for Christmas when I was three years old, and I remember that time well. My parents often had to carry me to bed at 2 am because I fell asleep in that car, after driving it around non-stop. It wasn’t that I wanted to become a racer, I was just so fascinated by it. I guess it was the feeling of freedom, being able to move around on my own, pedal around the yard... I only discovered motorsports when I was 24, it played no role in my youth. I didn’t follow races or idolise racing drivers. My two sports were skiing and rowing. And cycling. At the age of 10, I cycled more than 100 km with luggage to a Pentecost camp. Testing the limits of my physical capabilities was something that fascinated me already as a child and teenager. And I wanted to do everything perfectly. I was a total perfectionist. Even in school? No, not there. There, I did the bare minimum. I saw school as a place where you sit for hours and hours, which limits your ability to move. After school I was always on the go, on my bike, on skis, there was no way I could read a book for an hour.
“When I drive, my mind is never somewhere else, I always focus on everything in front of me and around me.”
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You were 12 when your parents divorced
Rallye Bavaria with more than 300 other
I really wanted to win it. People were surprised,
whereupon you stayed with your mother.
drivers. Lots of Porsches and other powerful
but I wasn’t into chasing laurels and titles.
At 18 your much older brother Michael,
sports cars. What was I supposed to do with
I didn’t want people to think I was doing it for
who was your role model in many ways,
this Fiat 850 of mine? But I was fast, improving
fame or money. I never negotiated for money in
died in a car accident. Not an auspicious
from race to race. I was soon noticed and
my career either. I’ve always, up until today, only
start to becoming a racing driver…
signed a contract with Ford. I raced really
taken what was offered.
Those events turned my life upside down.
well in a Capri against better cars... It caused
The plan was for me to take over the family
huge issues at home. After my brother’s death,
It sounds quite incredible…
stonemasonry business. I could carve the
my mother had a total breakdown every time
I realise that I’m a special and probably very
straight part of a letter at the age of eight, and
I went to a race, so I lied that I was just going
contradictory person. I was happy for maybe
my education was to go in that direction, but
to watch it. I even terminated my contract
about five minutes after winning a race. I always
those events changed everything. I finished
with Ford in 1971, but I couldn’t live without
thought that winning was a given and the point
school and passed a financial management
racing anymore, so I returned to it six months
of what I do. I’m here to win. I can’t believe how
exam. Our former pastor remembered me and
later. I wasn’t thinking then I’d ever do it
football players celebrate like crazy when they
invited me to join the staff at the Diocese of
professionally, it felt like a hobby.
score a goal these days. Their main goal is to score, well, goals, so why should they celebrate
Regensburg, where I became the driver of the legal and financial representative for all seven
You caught the attention of team
excessively? I feel second-hand embarrassment
Bavarian dioceses, who didn’t have a driving
managers after setting blistering stage
when I see scenes like that.
license. This meant that I did as much as
times at the 1972 Olympia Rallye,
130,000 km a year with a Mercedes 200 D,
facing off against all the big names in
This may also explain your great popularity
the engine of which constantly required revs.
world rallying. You decided to become
almost 40 years after achieving your
As there weren’t many autobahns, we travelled
a professional rally driver then...
greatest racing successes...
on ordinary roads. I realised then that to drive
I told myself that if this is how it is, I’ll go home,
I currently receive more mail and autograph
fast, you need to turn the steering wheel and
quit my job and prove that I’m the best in the
requests than I used to. I don’t think it’s
brake as little as possible. (laughs) Because
world. I was met by a wall of accusations;
because of my racing successes, but rather
I drove hard and overtook often, many people
I was throwing away all my education. I was
because of my directness and clarity of thought
driving on the opposite side flashed their lights
also gaining renown and popularity. I really
and opinions. Something that clearly seems to
at me, and the aforementioned official praised
didn’t like that. Fame bothered me a lot in the
be lacking today.
me to my pastor, saying, “Almost everyone
first few years. You will turn 80 next year. Can you imagine
in Bavaria knows your Walter, they keep Your years and successes in world rallying
having to give up your driving license
that followed are well documented. You
one day?
So how did you get into racing?
won the Rally Monte-Carlo four times
(laughs). It feels terrible just thinking about it.
Again, by chance. A friend from the skiing
with four different marques, became the
There’s something else interesting about it.
club said that I should start competing due
World Rally Champion twice, while also
Porsche doesn’t allow those connected with
to the way I drive. I gave him a smile, yes,
throwing away some potential titles by
the company, even very famous test drivers,
I should, but who will pay for it, our dear Lord?
saying you would only drive the six rallies
engineers and former racers, to drive company
I lacked the money for anything like that. But
of the season that you liked, and skip
cars after the age of 80. I wonder if they will
he insisted and said that it wouldn’t cost me
the others...
tell me that I can’t drive company Porsches
anything. Now that - I can do. If it’s free, I’m
I actually didn’t want to become a world
from next year onwards? I still think they
game, I replied. My first race was the 1968
champion. I was only interested in Monte-Carlo.
won’t dare to.
greeting him...”
//Si Walter Röhrl: Ovinke še vedno sekam – od roba do roba Pogovarjali smo se z Walterjem Röhrlom – po mnenju Nikija Laude najboljšim dirkačem vseh časov. Kljub temu, da je v reli vstopil naključno šele pri 24 letih, je zaradi izjemnega talenta postal dvakratni svetovni prvak in štirikratni zmagovalec relija Monte-Carlo. Ostal je zvest svojim načelom, ni sprejemal kompromisov, slava in denar mu nista bila pomembna. Po Olimpijskem reliju 1972 se je poklicno posvetil dirkanju, a so mu zmage pomenile le kratek trenutek, saj je verjel, da je zmaga osnovna naloga dirkača. Ni ljubitelj elektrifikacije, saj po njegovem omejuje svobodo; prihodnost vidi v sintetičnih gorivih. Danes je cenjen zaradi iskrenosti in jasnih stališč, pri skoraj 80 letih pa se še pošali, da mu pri Porscheju, kljub postavljenim pravilom, morda ne bodo upali odvzeti službenih avtomobilov.
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57
“Testing the limits of my physical capabilities was something that fascinated me already as a child and teenager. And I wanted to do everything perfectly.”
F A A N N TT A A SS TT II C C by Alenka Birk
PORSCHE 917K MONZA 1971 One of Pocher’s latest releases, the Monza 1971 Porsche 917K brings the legendary Gulf-liveried endurance racer to life in an impressive 1:8 scale. The model features opening body panels, a fully detailed flat-12 engine, working suspension and an accurately reproduced cockpit, making it as much a display piece as it is a rewarding build. With hundreds of components and premium materials, it’s designed for dedicated collectors and motorsport enthusiasts. Once completed, the iconic blue-and-orange Porsche makes the ultimate desk collectible. uk.pocher.com
RACING DNA Orange attitude meets racing heritage as PUMA and McLaren Racing continue their partnership with a new collection that blends motorsport DNA with contemporary streetwear. Inspired by McLaren’s racing legacy, the range combines performance details with everyday style, featuring jackets, hoodies, T-shirts, caps and accessories in the team’s iconic colours. Designed for fans who see racing as part of their lifestyle, the collection brings the energy of the pit lane into everyday wardrobes. A perfect mix of speed, design and modern street culture.
store.mclaren.com
BRITISH SUMMERTIME Range Rover might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about home accessories, but the Courtside Blanket from the British Summertime Collection makes a strong case. Crafted from a refined blend of cashmere and fine wool, it brings together comfort, craftsmanship and understated British style. Designed for countryside escapes, relaxed weekends or simply adding a touch of warmth at home, this is one lifestyle piece that goes beyond the garage.
landrover.com
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Fantastic
LAMBORGHINI POWER The spirit of Lamborghini moves from the road to the gym with the new Automobili Lamborghini x Macron Activewear Collection. Inspired by the brand’s performance heritage, the collection combines technical fabrics, sporty silhouettes and Lamborghini’s unmistakable design language. Featuring training jackets, hoodies, T-shirts and accessories, the range is made for those who bring the same energy and focus to their workouts as they do to their passion for cars. A fusion of Italian design, performance and everyday style.
macron.com
SMART VISION “Hi Meta, how am I doing?” A simple question that opens a new way of understanding your performance. Athletic intelligence has arrived. Powered by Meta AI and Garmin, Oakley Meta Vanguard can provide real-time insights about your activity. It can help athletes, riders and adventurers better understand their training and progress. Combining smart technology with Oakley’s performance design, these glasses bring information closer without taking you away from the experience. Built for movement, they are made for those who want to capture the journey, track performance and stay connected along the way.
oakley.com
TIME FOR A LEGEND Breitling and Aston Martin celebrate one of motoring’s greatest icons with the new Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5. The watch also pays tribute to one of James Bond’s lesser-known timepieces, recalling the Breitling Top Time worn by Sean Connery in Thunderball (1965). Inspired by the legendary 1963 DB5, the limited-edition chronograph features dashboard-inspired subdials, a wood-effect inner ring and a brown leather strap reminiscent of the car’s handcrafted interior. Powered by Breitling’s in-house Calibre 01 movement with a 70hour power reserve, it brings together British motoring heritage and one of cinema’s most enduring style icons.
breitling.com
Visit With Us
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by Gaber Keržišnik photography Tim Fritzsch
EL RANCHERO VISITING KEVIN SCHWANTZ IN TEXAS I vividly remember when, still a primary school pupil and already very much a motorcycle enthusiast, my parents let me go to a Grand Prix motorcycle race alone for the first time. A group of my friends and I went to a tour agency, paid the fee, and off we went to the racing spectacle in Brno, then in the Czechoslovak Republic. As sworn Kevin Schwantz fans, we made a banner that was longer than a basketball court. The base – used sown-together bedsheets – was provided by our mothers. We spray painted a simple sentence onto them. ‘Kevin Schwantz – win for us!’ When we unfurled and hung it on the fence at the Brno racetrack, it was shown several times in the race’s Eurosport TV broadcast. Now, decades later, I can laugh over this with Kevin Schwantz himself over coffee at his ranch in Texas.
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61 * The rancher
*
60 / 65 Visit With Us
What is he up to nowadays?
ago. Nature there is stunning. The Texan
acquaintances, that he would visit Slovenia
“Life is good. I don’t work too much, I try
are also wonderful in Idaho. Not that I’m
and the Akrapovič headquarters, I certainly
to enjoy life as much as possible. I mostly
complaining about Texan weather. It’s never
wouldn’t have believed them. And if they
spend time with my two Labrador Retrievers.
too cold. We might get a few freezing days
then added that a decade later Kevin would
Often, when I wake up on a nice day, I go for
occasionally, but they are quite rare, the
host the photographer and me at his famous
a morning walk with my two beasties... What
climate is pretty mild generally. You can play
ranch in Texas, I would have definitely
could be better?” the now grey-haired Texan,
golf or cycle all year round. Whenever I want
said that they had lost the plot. Kevin and
a former Suzuki factory racing team rider
a real winter or a nice summer, I go over
I touched on many subjects; nature, free
who won the 500 cm World Championship
to Idaho. I love being out in nature, riding
time and also fishing. Of course, we couldn’t
in 1993, added in the garden of his ranch
a mountain bike or a motocross bike.” Kevin
leave out motorcycles and racing, because
in Texas, located some 60-odd kilometres
Schwantz used to be known for his do-or-die
his eyes still sparkle when the topic turns
from the Circuit of The Americas racetrack
riding style, and therefore for his numerous
to racing, the old days and the tracks that
near Austin. We also quickly touched on the
crashes, injuries and fractures. What is his
were, and still are, being raced on. When
just finished MotoGP race and then turned
current condition? “I’ve had some shoulder
reminiscing about a specific moment from
our thoughts to the one that was to follow
maintenance done recently, but the old injuries
his racing career, an exceptionally well-taken
shortly. I did not want to burden him too much
have healed pretty well. When I go to the
corner or an overtaking move, he still twists
with racing, though, because we were more
mountains, I try to hike fast. That’s how I keep
an imaginary throttle with his right hand.
interested in what one of the fastest retirees
fit. I mentally relax by fishing. I’m currently
He speaks slowly and quietly, raising his voice
in the world is doing nowadays. “I cycle a lot,
purchasing a small fishing boat. My two dogs
only when imitating the sound of the two-
fish and like to hike in the mountains. I also get
are big enough to get on it with me and then
stroke engines with which he won. “Pabaaam,
on an enduro bike here and there. I have a new
we can catch brown trout together.” Now then,
baaam, baaaaam...,” he explodes and then
two-stroke Beta and it’s a really nice toy.” Well,
how did the sworn Texan decide to migrate to
instinctively leans a bit to the side there on
it cannot be helped, motorcycles were bound
far-away Idaho for long stretches of time every
the fence of his ranch as if accelerating out of
to enter every topic we touched on sooner
year? Kevin explained that he went there twice
a bend, still expecting the rear end to slip as
or later.
in a row to visit friends. His good friend Blake
If someone had told me as a teenager that Kevin and I would become close
his RGV Suzuki’s back wheel loses grip. “I still
3
summers are too hot for me, and the winters
Young, also a former racer, lives in Wisconsin.
watch races. I still remember the tracks, even
Far away in Idaho
the moments when I won, crashed or overtook
“I spend half the year here in Texas, and a bit
coach. They remain friends and visit each other
someone... It’s nice to relive the old days,” the
less in Idaho, where I bought a house a while
often. “Since I don’t have any grandchildren,
Texan says softly.
Kevin was once Blake’s racing mentor and
I sometimes jokingly say that his children are
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63
my half-grandchildren in a way. When I’m on
before inviting me to a tour of his ranch.
my way to Idaho, I stop and sometimes stay
He rolled a large all-purpose four-wheel-drive
overnight. I spend a day or two, because Blake
truck out of the garage and we drove into the
has his own campground there in the summer.
wilderness to find where his cows had taken
It’s nicer than staying in a hotel and, besides,
refuge from the heat. Not far from his new
I usually take the dogs along. Hotels always
house, I noticed another abode. “My parents
seem to have issues with dogs. The dogs are
live there. Dad is 86 and mom is 85. We are
also why I drive rather than fly to Idaho. It takes
lucky because they are both active and
about 20 hours to get there, I stay there for
healthy. Dad still follows racing and, of course,
a month or two, then I come back.”
has his opinion on everything and every racer,” Kevin enthused, and we grinned as the three
Kevin and Blake went fishing together in
of us drove past the dwelling. The path led
Idaho. He liked it so much that he decided to
us into the forest over loose, sandy terrain
spend more time there. “I like the small villages
and we soon found ourselves next to a small
and hamlets with their local grocery stores...
pond. “See that boat on dry land? It’s ours.
Summers are really nice there because it’s
When I was a kid, we used to row on it around
not so hot. It’s peaceful and I realised that’s
the pond. It’s been there ever since I pulled
basically what I need. A completely different
it out of the water. Polyester. It’s remained in
life than the one I was used to. No running
the same condition for about 40 years. Still
around, no noise, no crowds...”
lying there on the bank where it’ll probably
Back to bikes
remain forever.” We carried on and so did the conversation as I wanted to know about his
Kevin still enjoys going to Europe for a race or
attitude towards motorcycles and racing today.
two and is a regular at the EICMA motorcycle
“I still love motorcycles, but I don’t miss racing
show in Milan, which is always hectic for him.
very much. I’m still involved in the motorcycle
“Everyone is after you, tugging at your sleeve,
world in a way, though. In the spring, I usually
asking for an autograph or a photo, we ride
get invited to Italy, I have friends there, and
bikes every day... Not that I’m complaining, it’s
everything revolves around motorcycles and
very pleasant, but I also get tired of it quickly
racing. Then I’m in Europe again in the fall,
and look forward to returning to my peace
for the Milan Motorcycle Show. And perhaps
and quiet,” added the former world champion
a few times in between. I like going to races...”
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“I would also need all the electronics if I were to get on a modern racing motorcycle, otherwise I’d quickly end up on the side of the track.”
After finishing his racing career, Kevin wanted
immediately surrounded him, their long
new bagger class, featuring Harley-Davidson
to manage a team of his own. Is that still
tongues wagging as they ate from his
motorcycles with the trademark side bags?
something he is considering? “22 races
hand. “Always feed them with your hand
“It was a success story in the US. I’m not so
a year? No, thanks. I prefer staying at home.
outstretched,” he cautioned as I approached
sure Europeans will feel the same. It’s true
Managing my own team? No, not interested
the herd. It felt a bit surreal, feeding cattle
that superbike racing started in a similar
anymore, there are simply too many races
with Kevin Schwantz on his ranch, but it did
way in the US, with everyone shaking their
nowadays. I also don’t really like the look
not stop the flow of the conversation. Does he
heads when they saw heavy road bikes on
of modern racing motorcycles, though
still ride road bikes?
the racetracks, because at that time racing was done on featherweight two-stroke
I understand that all those aero accessories help to achieve the fast lap times that the
“I don’t ride on roads. I had a Suzuki V-Strom,
machines,” Kevin mused as we drove back
riders are setting nowadays. It’s incredible. It’s
but didn’t use it much... When on the road,
to the house. “See this path we’re driving
not just about engine power or better tyres...
I prefer to drive a car. That way I can enjoy
on? This used to be my test track. We rode
Me too, I would also need all the electronics if
air-conditioning and listen to the radio. I was
small motocross bikes here. So, my dad said
I were to get on a modern racing motorcycle,
never a big fan of riding road bikes on public
we should organise a race. We didn’t have
otherwise I’d quickly end up on the side of the
roads, maybe also because I always try to be
to be told twice and, boom, we had our own
track. Nobody thought in the past that bikes
the fastest. Roads are not for me. I used to ride
mini championship. Unfortunately, we soon
would look the way they do today. Everyone
with my dad. He liked to go on longer tours
dug up the road so much that the old man
is looking for those marginal gains to shave
and take me with him, but I was basically just
changed his mind. We were still allowed to
off a tenth of a second. It’s human nature.
waiting for us to get to the end. After I finished
ride here, but not to race,” the motorcycle
Everyone wants to have an advantage,” is how
racing, we rode in the desert a few times.
legend gushingly recalled his childhood
Revving Kevin, as his biggest fans nicknamed
Years ago, we liked to compete in the Baja
days. “Racing and the approach to it has
him during his racing days, sees racing today.
races. That was before Covid hit, I didn’t race
changed a lot over the years. What was true
When he pulled the handbrake and we got out,
anymore after that. We rode for fun, basically.
in the past doesn’t necessarily have to hold
a herd of cows suddenly appeared at the fence
When the guys we were with started taking it
today.” We stopped in front of a garage next
in front of us.
too seriously, I decided to become a kind of
to a beautifully restored Jaguar E-Type and
a leader of our team.”
shook hands to say goodbye. As if greeting
Motorcycle cowboy
an old acquaintance, Kevin added, “We have
Kevin took a plastic container of treats from
Would he then perhaps be interested in
two hours allocated at the racetrack tonight
behind the seat and, petting each cow,
taking over a smaller team with fewer races?
so we can cycle there with our friends. Come
gave them one piece each. The animals
More for fun, perhaps? What is his take on the
and hang out!”
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// Si OBISK PRI KEVINU SCHWANTZU V TEKSASU: EL RANCHERO* Obiskali smo Kevina Schwantza, nekdanjega tovarniškega dirkača Suzukija in svetovnega prvaka v razredu 500 kubičnih centimetrov iz leta 1993. Danes živi precej umirjeno – pol leta preživi na svojem ranču v Teksasu, preostanek pa v Idahu, kjer mu bolj ustrezata narava in milejše poletne temperature. Dneve posveča svojima dvema labradorcema, kolesarjenju, ribolovu, pohodništvu in občasnim enduro vožnjam. Po številnih poškodbah pravi, da je njegovo zdravje stabilno, kondicijo pa ohranja s hitrim gorskim pohodništvom. Še vedno rad obišče kakšno dirko in se udeleži motociklističnega salona EICMA v Milanu, a hitro pogreša mir domačega okolja. Sodobnemu dirkanju ostaja naklonjen, čeprav priznava, da ga ne pogreša preveč.
* Rančar
by Alenka Birk
RUN WILD, RUN THE ADRIATIC Forget city streets, Brijuni Marathon takes runners through one of Europe’s most unique landscapes. The course winds across Brijuni National Park, passing Roman ruins, dinosaur footprints, Mediterranean forests and the island’s famous Safari Park, where zebras, ostriches and deer roam freely. Once the private summer residence of Josip Broz Tito, Brijuni now offers a race experience combining wildlife, history and breathtaking Adriatic scenery. Participants can choose between the 10 km, half marathon (21.1 km) or full marathon (42.2 km). The next edition takes place in April 2027, with limited entries. urbanitekaci.com
SKI BEFORE NINE Before the world wakes up, there is only the sound of skis cutting through fresh snow, the first light over the mountains, and a legend waiting at the top of the run. Long before the first skiers arrive, the slopes of Bad Kleinkirchheim belong to a select group of guests and Austrian Olympic champion Franz Klammer. This exclusive morning experience allows expert skiers to carve fresh tracks on the World Cup course alongside the Ski King himself. With untouched snow, sunrise views over the Carinthian Nockberge, personal tips from Klammer, a two-hour ski pass, breakfast and mountain brunch included, this is not just skiing, it’s a once in a lifetime run with one of the sport’s greatest icons. Join the Klammer Express – his legendary nickname. Limited to 50 participants. lakeandmountain.at
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Crazy Stuff
BACK TO THE FUTURE Once, every portrait had a story, and every photograph was a moment carefully preserved for generations. Step into a world before social media, smartphones, filters and digital cameras, where renowned photographer Josip Pelikan from Celje, Slovenia welcomes you in front of the lens of his vintage bellows camera. In the historic Fotohiša Pelikan, he takes you on a journey back to the golden age of photography. Dressed in authentic early 20 th-century attire, he guides you through his home, glass studio, darkrooms and original photographic equipment before capturing your portrait just as it would have been taken more than a century ago. You can even dress in period clothing and recreate a unique vintage style, bringing the elegance of a bygone era back to life. Discover a place where craftsmanship, history and forgotten skills come vividly to life.
muzej-nz-ce.si/en
A ROAD TO SILENCE Sometimes the best drive is the one after which the car stays parked for a while. Hidden among the rolling hills of Slovenia’s Kozjansko region stands Franckina hiša, dating back to 1796 and considered the oldest preserved house in the region. After a winding road through the countryside, the journey ends with a different kind of reward: old wooden beams, a traditional thatched roof, breathtaking views and complete peace. The house preserves its historic character, with a traditional tiled stove featuring a warm seating bench, authentic interiors and the comfort of a fully renovated stay. No city noise, no unnecessary distractions, just time to slow down. Perfect for a weekend with friends, a romantic escape or simply a personal recharge. Not a service for your car, but one for yourself.
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D rive With Us
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Juf, 2,126 m, Europe’s Highest Permanently Inhabited Settlement
Once a Challenging Existence, Now Its Home We chose a Golf for our travel report this time and a rather special one at that. This year, Volkswagen is marking 50 years of Golf GTI, and to top it all off, our test vehicle came with an Akrapovič exhaust system. This is not a supercar, so we did not go looking for racetracks or other places to go really fast. This is an agile, sporty and sparklingly lively people’s car, providing us with a great opportunity for a pleasant drive through mild and medium corners high up in the Alps. We took it to the village of Juf in Switzerland, nestled among the three-thousand-metre summits on the Italian border. Around 30 people have been living here at an altitude of 2,126 metres all year round since 1948 when Rudolf Menn refused to winter in the valley below. Now they have asphalt, a shop, two hotels and as many as nine buses daily – all year round...
by Miran Ališič photography Ivana Krešić, Miran Ališič
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So, what is it like living with just slightly more than two dozen fellow countrymen high in the mountains, where spring and autumn basically do not exist and the short summer is squeezed between at least seven months of winter? Kasimir Schuler is considered an expert on Juf, even though he and his wife migrated here in search of peace, nature and work. He is a mountain guide, teacher and now also a farmer. “You have to do at least three jobs up here, otherwise it’s hard to survive,” Kasimir began the conversation on the road in front of his farm, a building dating back to 1592. He and his wife Nina both grew up in Chur, met while mountain climbing and have four children aged between five and nine. “The children have a huge natural playground, but attend no organised sports or other activities, as it would take too long to drive for football, clarinet or dance practice.” The valley and the first larger town are more than 30 kilometres of mostly winding mountain roads away. All the children are good skiers, they have a ski club and a 1.5-km long ski lift. “During the winter, skiing is the main leisure activity. Otherwise, the children have to help with the housework and chores around the farm,” added Kasimir, also a member of the municipal administration of the high Alpine valley region of Avers. “The only thing that bothers Nina and I is the lack of cultural events.”
The Long Road Down to the Valley There is a small hydro power plant down in the valley that provides jobs for some of the villagers, but most people from Juf and, indeed, the entire valley, work in Thusis, the nearest slightly larger town. They have the power plant to thank for such a good road all the way to Juf. Here, above the tree line, winter lasts from mid-October through to April or even May. The children attend school in the neighbouring, lower-lying village of Cresta, which also has a larger shop, an ATM and a fuel station. “A few years ago, there were barely enough children for one small classroom. Now we have 13 first-to-sixth graders together in one class, but from the autumn of 2026 there will be enough pupils to form two classes,” Kasimir concluded his story about living high up in the Alps.
The Bus Line That Keeps the Town Running Switzerland might be the only country in the world to provide these 30-odd inhabitants with 9 daily public transport connections aboard the typical yellow Swiss PostAuto bus. “Every day, 365 days a year,” boasted Danilo Del Giorgio from Chiavenna, Italy, a few valleys away, when he arrived at the station. “The bus was empty for the noon ride today, because the children are on a school trip and didn’t go home at noon. Most of the trips serve the locals, but the bus can be completely full of tourists in the summer and on the weekends; this is especially true for the morning and afternoon rides,” the Italian, who loves driving through this peaceful and quiet mountain landscape, mused during a short break at the final stop. “We all know each other; everything is simple and homely.” When the bus began its return towards the valley, also empty, it was time for lunch. I chose the Gasthaus Alpenrose mountain inn, opened way back in 1923 and operating until the turn of the millennium before closing down for about 20 years. Its owner Markus Menn renovated and rented it out in 2020 and it is now managed by Raymondo Demarmels who hails from a nearby Alpine valley in the Oberhalbstein Alps. “It’s a nice life but hard work. Up here we all work like this, from morning to evening. There are few of us and we have to take care of everything,” he began while continuing to serve the other tables. “There are two of us usually, three in the summer at the peak of the season. We manage 39 beds in addition to the kitchen and the restaurant.” The hotel, whose manager also has four children, is comfortable, has all the modern amenities and blends pleasantly with its surroundings being constructed of wood and stone. “They have to become independent early, help at home or, if necessary, in the restaurant after school, of course doing things appropriate to their age.” The majority of tourists are Swiss, then come the Germans, followed by everyone else, added Raymondo while serving coffee, and stressed as we parted that this is not a luxurious life, but that the hotel and restaurant provide for a comfortable one.
Built on Generations of Grit Monika Menn, the hotel owner’s niece, lives just two houses away. Aged 23, she wants to take over her father’s farm. Adolf Menn, known
Kasimir Schuler
Danilo Del Giorgio
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as Dolfi, has basically already handed the farm over to her, but still helps and contributes with his years of experience. He is used to hard work, as he has spent his entire life up here on the farm. Decades ago, he and his brother Markus took over the farm from their father Rudolf, who was known for being the first to resist the winter migration to lower-lying villages in the late 1940s. At the time, Rudolf had to build a small hydroelectric power plant with his own hands to provide the village with heating and electricity, while also being ridiculed by the majority of the villagers who considered him a loon. But the path to today’s luxurious infrastructure was paved. “Some people moved away, others died, so we were able to increase our farm and add a bit of land. We had about 30 heads of cattle, as well as sheep and goats. Now almost no one rears sheep and goats anymore, only cattle remain. You know, we used to be just farmers up here.” His youngest daughter Monika – the two older ones live in Bern – lived in the valley for five years, but was drawn back. She is clearly similar to her father, who was never away from home for more than two weeks. She trained to be a hairdresser, but what she loves the most is the barn and its 40 cows. “I plan to open a hairdressing salon, because we don’t have that in the village or the valley.” Monika believes that people in Juf are tolerant, because they have to co-operate and depend on each other. “In the city you hang out with whoever suits you, but here you have to get along with everyone, because there are so few of us.” So how does she get along with her father then, being a generation apart. “First, we discuss, then we get organised and find out that it’s good if some things change over time... This sometimes creates conflict, but we’ve always managed to smooth it out.” The father nodded smilingly at her words as my path led me all the way to the end of Juf, where a new house is being built next to a barn.
New Roots Mike Cattaruzza immigrated to Juf from central Switzerland, the Seetal valley near Lucerne. He married a local, Janine Hasler, and they too have four small children. I learned during my conversations that Juf originally consisted of two families: the Menns and the Haslers. Mike met Janine through modern channels, i.e., online. He knows farm work well from home and has worked on a mountain farm twice before, so he knew what to expect. Now the married couple take care of 22 cows, 10 calves, 6 sheep and 9 goats. “In the summer I’m mainly a farmer, and in the winter, I drive the bus two to three days a week.” Life up here in the high Alps has become similar to life in the valley in many ways. One can order services and products online, and the PostAuto delivers them basically to one’s door. Mike admitted that they benefit a lot from abundant subsidies, but stressed they also have to take care of the environment, the land, the meadows... “We have few expenses, because we make a lot of our own food, meat, milk, cheese...”
Holding On in a Changing World The residents of Juf, who are dwarfed in number by tourists in the summer and on weekends, will remain here, undaunted by the harsh weather conditions. And since it is a numbers’ game, I asked them how they see life in Juf in 100 years, in the year that will be the same as their altitude – 2,126? Everyone put public transport and school first. If the school stays open, children will stay at home and more young families will be able to remain. I also learned that maintaining a regular bus service is a political challenge and the subject of negotiations every few years, given the municipality’s desire to save money. This also means that work and jobs in this remote mountain valley will have to continue to exist. Tourism will probably become an increasingly important industry, but not in the way it was planned almost 60 years ago. Back then, rich investors from Geneva wanted to turn the Avers Valley into a ski resort with in excess of 10,000 beds and more than 20 cable cars. After 15 years of preparations, full of bureaucratic problems, the project was abandoned in 1978. Adolf Menn had an interesting comment to that. “At the time, the majority of the population was in favour, because they felt it guaranteed the future and development of Avers, and above all, would net them a lot of money from selling their land. But today we don’t have to worry, no one would support such a project anymore.”
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Adolf and Monika Menn
// Si JUF, NAJVIŠJI STALNO NASELJEN KRAJ V EVROPI: NEKOČ TRMA, ZDAJ UDOBNO ŽIVLJENJE S Volkswagnom Golfom z oznako GTI, ki letos praznuje 50 let, in nameščenim Akrapovičevim izpušnim sistemom smo se tokrat na cestno avanturo odpravili v švicarsko vasico Juf, ki je najvišje ležeči stalno naseljeni kraj v Evropi. Tukaj življenje poteka v ritmu dolge zime, kratkega poletja in medsebojne odvisnosti. Domačini opravljajo več poklicev hkrati, saj je preživetje na 2.126 metrih zahtevno. Otroci obiskujejo šolo v dolini, javni prevoz pa je ključna življenjska povezava. Kmetije ostajajo osrednji del identitete vasi, prenašajo se med generacijami, medtem ko se mladi vračajo zaradi povezanosti z načinom življenja, ki ga vasica ponuja. Priseljenci se hitro vključijo, saj je medsebojno sodelovanje prebivalcev v takšnih krajih nujno. Turizem nudi dodatne prihodke, a življenje ostaja skromno in delovno.
Raymondo Demarmels
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Brie f Talk
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by Primož Jurman photography Bor Dobrin, STA/Anže Malovrh
D O M E N
P R E V C
UNDERSTANDING THE WIND The wind blowing through the Akrapovič wind-tunnel-style dynamometer has no name, but it has a sound of its own, quite unlike a storm or the rustling forest leaves; its humming is deep, steady and almost hypnotically mechanical. When its speed reaches the one a ski jumper experiences at take-off, physics take over. Taking advantage of physics is exactly what allowed Slovenia’s Domen Prevc to become the first and only ski jumper in history to win all seven ski jumping titles in less than a year: he is the Olympic champion, Nordic world champion, Ski flying world champion, holder of the big and small crystal globes for the overall world cup win and the ski flying title respectively, Four Hills Tournament winner and the World record holder.
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“When you come home after a bad day, it’s important to be surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through.”
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During your stay at the ‘wind tunnel’, we
there. When you come home after a bad day,
knowledge and technology to do something
quickly saw that a ski jumper requires more
it’s important to be surrounded by people who
that at first glance seems impossible –
than just physical exercise. After a few
understand what you’re going through. I think
make a machine fly. In ski jumping, the body
minutes of searching for the best position
it was that kind of environment that has helped
actually acts as a kind of wing. The skis, the
in the strong air current, you stepped out
me remain calm throughout my career.
suit and the position of the body affect how the air carries you. If you understand what
and began adjusting the position of your arms, legs, body, even fingers. The TV
A ski jump looks quite simple to the
is happening, everything is easier. You can’t
audience doesn’t notice these details. How
viewers. It’s all over in a few seconds.
control everything, but you can prepare and take
decisive are they really?
But you often stress that there’s a lot
advantage of the conditions you have.
There are a lot of things in ski jumping that
more going on than meets the eye. How
viewers don’t see. Many people only see the
would you describe the individual phases
You’ve competed in the World Cup
in-run, take-off, flight and landing but, in reality,
of a jump?
since 2015. You’ve won many times, are the
the jumper is focusing on details throughout the
The first phase is the in-run. That’s where
current world champion and world record
jump. Sometimes a tiny change can make a big
you gain speed and prepare for the take-off.
difference. Training in the wind tunnel allows you
It’s important to be relaxed, as being tense can
to find the best body position and understand
ruin your body’s position. Then comes the take-
taught you?
how the air affects you. It is a constant search
off, which is a transfer of energy: it’s not just
Sport teaches you that you can’t always have
for the feel and balance. And it also shortens
about launching as hard as possible, it’s mainly
the best day. What matters is what you do
the time needed for a training session.
about the direction. If the energy goes in the
afterwards. You analyse your performance, learn
holder, but you have also experienced difficult periods. What has sport
wrong direction, you can’t fix it later. If you make
something from it and move on. I think the ability
You set the world record in March 2025
a certain move too early or too late, you lose
to bounce back after a bad day is one of the
in Planica, landing at 254.5 metres. Many
speed resulting in a shorter jump. Then comes
most important qualities of a top athlete.
would call such an achievement a perfect
the flight, which is one of the hardest parts.
flight, but you continue talking about the
You have to position your body so as to catch
Although you set a world record and
need to keep learning. Why?
the air and create lift.
won world champion titles, you see
The most interesting thing about our sport is
winning the 2025/2026 Four Hills Many people think that the hardest
Tournament as the biggest success of your
part is the take-off and that the jumper
career. Why do you see it as your most
then simply glides towards the landing.
important achievement?
is a special achievement, of course, but it
Is that true?
The Four Hills Tournament is something special.
doesn’t mean that the entire jump was perfect.
Quite the opposite, actually. People think you
The competition takes place on four hills – two
It’s the search for improvements that motivates
just lean on your skis and fly. In reality, you are
in Germany and two in Austria – over several
me the most. There’s always a detail you can
constantly making small adjustments, because
days between late December and early January.
change and improve.
wind conditions continually keep changing
Every jump counts there and it’s the little things
so you have to keep adapting. That’s why ski
that decide the final score, so you need to
You come from one of the most successful
jumping is a very technical sport. Of course,
remain completely focussed throughout the
sports families in Slovenia. Brothers
one needs strength, fitness, and good
entire event, which is far from easy. That’s
Peter, Cene, yourself and sister Nika
equipment, but the feel for and technique of the
why winning the Golden Eagle – the winner’s
each left an indelible impression on ski
jump are what counts the most.
trophy – means the most to me. This Eagle
that you can always learn something. Even after your best jump or flight, you discover things you could have done better. A record
symbolises preparation, experience, self-
jumping. What was it like growing up in an environment where ski jumping was a part
You’ve often said that, in addition to
confidence and the ability to be at your best at
of everyday life?
sports, you are attracted to technology
every jump. That’s why it’s the achievement I’m
We never had to prove ourselves at home. Ski
and aviation – alongside other things.
most proud of!
jumping was a part of our lives and we talked
What is it that excites you so much about
about it a lot, but we were first and foremost
airplanes and helicopters?
a family when at home. We always had each
I’ve always been fascinated by airplanes and
other’s backs, even when the results weren’t
helicopters and the fact that humans can use
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“You can’t control everything, but you can prepare and take advantage of the conditions you have.”
Story
Markus Ve s p a Tu r n s 8 0
There Are Scooters and Then There Is ...
Vespa was an accidental baby. Italy, like most of Europe, found itself in dire straits after WWII and Piaggio, a manufacturer of aircraft alongside other products since the end of WWI, stopped bending sheet metal into wings and started using its machinery to produce a curved body of a simple, popular moped for the masses. One to carry the signori and signorine while protecting their clothing from foul weather and dirt. Now, 80 years later, we can safely say that Vespa was warmly received and has become a globally beloved icon. Not only by its parent company, but by millions of daily users, vintage enthusiasts and people who are a bit in love with the Italian dolce vita. Three very different owners – sharing a love for this cute and timeless time machine – unveil the secret to Vespa’s success.
“Perceiving time and surroundings is more pristine, more authentic on a Vespa.” – Caroline Schmidhofer
Caroline
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Story
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by Matevž Hribar photography Bor Dobrin, Matevž Hribar, Markus Mayer’s personal archive
Marco
... Vespa!
Our first stop should have been Munich, the birthplace of Markus Mayer who travelled
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around the world in 80 days – yes, on a Vespa. We did not find him there, though. Our email finally caught up with him in Romania, somewhere between the Transfăgărășan and Transalpina, two world-famous mountain roads he was conquering on his Vespa returning from Greece. “I wanted a new adventure for my 50 th birthday and launching my new book in Athens was a good excuse,” he told us in Maribor, where we met. “I’ve been to Slovenia, it’s a beautiful place.” Since traveling on an air-cooled MotoVespa GS 150, made in Spain in 1967, can be somewhat capricious, he shared his location tracking the day before, so we arrived at our meeting place within minutes of each other. “I’m used to improvising. Traveling on a Vespa teaches you that. Nothing is guaranteed, but it always works out,” he laughed.
Cheaper to Buy Than Ship Across an Ocean While today’s children may be addicted to touchscreens, Markus was addicted to adventure books in his youth. His mother tried to hide them, though not successfully enough it seems, as he could not suppress his desire to travel. “For me, Vespa means freedom. Yes, it’s a fashion accessory for many, which in my opinion is not the right direction for Piaggio’s marketing to take,” he said, while passersby stopped, admired and took photos of his beloved, bag-laden Vespa. One such admirer boasted he had the Russian version, the Vyatka. Apparently, the Russians came to Piaggio for a licence, were rejected, and went ahead anyways. The Vyatka VP-150, produced between 1956 and 1966, is considered an exotic curiosity among Vespa aficionados. Markus’s most memorable adventure was going around the world in 80 days. He undertook this feat in 2018, after three years of planning. He set off on a 27,113-kilometre journey across the Northern Hemisphere: starting in Madrid, he rode on to Vladivostok. He then flew to San Francisco, rode across to the East Coast, flew to the Netherlands and finally rode back to Madrid. Subtracting the three days off the bike, he averaged 338 kilometres per day, with some days reaching 600. He used three different Vespas, as it was cheaper and quicker to buy a Vespa in the United States than to have one shipped across the ocean.
Easier Is Not Better I warned him that my next question would sound stupid: Why an old Vespa, why not a proper touring bike with at least 600 cm3, off-road tyres, suitcases etc.? He politely
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disagreed with my evaluation of the question
Story
For Enduro, for the Armed Forces, for Bonneville…
A Speed Record That Was Not
In the basement of the MKF Mollificio factory,
adventure, though he – like Markus –
Marco’s collection is arranged like a museum:
associates Vespa with freedom. His longest
the floors are clean, the Vespas also, most
ride was to a meeting in London, while
are in rideable condition and parked on roller
this year he went to the Vespa World Days
mats. The only difference is that his exhibits
in Rome marking the brand’s 80 th anniversary.
stand very close together, as there are more
But the trip that took him furthest from home
than 200. In addition to vintage models,
was the attempt to set a speed record on
there are some newer Vespas with automatic
the Bonneville Salt Flats. The first reply to
transmission. He uses the GTS 300 for daily
his inquiry was negative. But he insisted, so
trips and all kinds of models from licensed
they sent him a rulebook stating that only
and unlicensed factories around the world
vintage, racing and road motorcycles or
for the Six Days Enduro race. Then there are
cars were allowed to set records on the salt
several legendary Ape three-wheelers – just
lake. The Vespa’s 8-inch wheels were below
like the ones still delivering produce in Sicilian
the 13-inch minimum, and its sidemounted
villages. He also has an anti-tank Vespa
engine added another challenge. In the end,
150 TAP, made for the French paratroopers in
three Vespa Sidecar models were entered for
the 1950s, equipped with a 75 mm recoilless
the attempt, two 125 cm 3 and one 100 cm 3 .
I wanted to travel like our grandfathers.”
rifle. 600 were made at a ridiculously low
One was ridden by Marco, the others by his
price, around $500 apiece (approx. €5,400
friends. “The result was not the best; the top
200 Vespas, 14,000 ‘Museum’ Items (and Counting)
in today’s market). One Vespa has external
speed was 34 miles per hour (54,7 km/h).
transmission and throttle cables, another hides
We faced issues due to the altitude and
them under sheet metal; one has three rows
changing humidity. Since I didn’t have the
To meet the next enthusiast, we went to
of rubber on the foot platform, another has
correct nozzle, I improvised with a hammer.
four. A Vespa enthusiast could pitch a tent in
It didn’t help much. The engine pulled so
Seregno, north of Milan – and just marvel.
poorly that I reached the top speed in second
and had an answer ready, “An adventure bike would be too easy. I need a challenge,” he responded, an answer he had probably given hundreds of times before. “I have three times more adventures in a given period than someone on a modern touring bike. Not only that, when traveling on a Vespa, it dictates the pace. You have this plan: ‘Today, I’ll get to soand-so’, but, uh-oh, it breaks down somewhere along the way. Then you have to fix it, improvise, seek help from the locals.” It is also easier to fit in anywhere in the world if travelling on such a funny motorcycle. He is accepted by everyone and is never afraid. Everyone thinks he is a little crazy but wants to help him anyway. His trip around the world was not the only crazy adventure; in 2021, for example, he covered 6,500 kilometres for children with cancer. In a suit and tie. “I didn’t want gore-tex,
the north of Italy – not on a Vespa. Marco Fumagalli is a different kind of Vespa fan, just as enthusiastic as Markus, but in another way. As a teenager, the Monza-born was crazy about enduro bikes, and his first Aprilia RX 50 is still in his collection. He never expected to like scooters, but at 18 his parents wanted his graduation present to be something he truly desired. He saw a beautiful Vespa 50 Special Revival in a magazine. It was made in a limited series of 3,000 and, to his own surprise, he found himself wanting what was not even a real motorcycle. The seed was planted then, but it didn’t bear fruit immediately. After passing his driving exam, that Vespa remained gathering dust in the garage, though was not sold. Marco doesn’t remember exactly when buying Vespas became a hobby, an obsession, an unconventional investment, but he does remember how he came across quite a few nice examples: when he was off work at the weekends, he took the company van, visited villages and asked bar patrons if they knew anyone with a Vespa. After paying for their coffee, there was often somebody who said, “Let me just drink this and we can go take a look...” He also regularly visited antique fairs, held twice a year in Milan, so his collection began to grow. As did the prices for old specimens when the lira was replaced by the euro. “Let me show you something,” he said, pulling out a folder with a printed eBay ad. “I got quite a bit of flak in 2002 for paying €44,000 for a 1946 Vespa with the serial number 1071 (the 70 th Vespa ever produced, ed.). They said I was crazy. It’s probably worth north of €150,000 today.”
Marco has never been on a truly long
gear, because in third the engine just went
cult vehicles, like the Porsche 911 or the
She only needed to choose between a new
‘booooo…’ and died,” laughs Marco, with
Jaguar E-Type, Vespa is accessible –a true
or a second-hand Vespa Primavera, both
whom I could talk for hours about Vespas,
people’s scooter. While not cheap, it is within
costing around €5,000. Since her boyfriend
food, life in lively Italy and quiet Japan.
reach to almost every mortal who needs to
is handy with tools, she opted for the vintage
When I asked his mother what she thought
get from A to B in a slightly more… romantic
one, a 1979 ET3 model in a beautiful, if not
of his collection, she replied he was crazy,
way. Which is why we drove to the Austria’s
original, green. “What I like about Vespas is
but I consoled her that with enough space
Wörthersee to meet 30-year-old Caroline
that they’re beautiful in any colour. They can
and money, we would all collect… well
Schmidhofer. She owns two Vespas. The red
be white, black, pink, a mix of colours – they
something.
one with a 50 cm engine and an automatic
always look great. Not like cars, which are
During Covid, which brought northern Italy to
transmission was given to her by her parents
becoming increasingly boring white, black
a standstill, he started inventorying the rest
when she turned 15. “The bus to Klagenfurt
and silver,” said the young architect, who still
only ran five times a day and I had to wait for
has to assert her status as the top dog on
two hours if I missed it,” explained the young
construction sites to which she sometimes
architect, surprised at our interest in the story
arrives to on her green beauty. She only
of her relationship with the Vespa. “If we, kids
learned to shift gears this June, but when
from smaller towns, wanted to be mobile, we
asked whether she would go to work by
needed a moped. In Graz and Vienna, where
car or Vespa on a nice day, the reply was
I later went to school and studied, I didn’t use
categorical: two wheels! “Cars are for getting
a Vespa because public transport was better.
around, Vespas are for traveling,” she stated,
I left it with my cousin for the time. But I’ve
even though her job is only 15 kilometres
always dreamed of owning a 125 cm3 model
away. Her desire is to ride somewhere
one day,” she continued, while bringing us
further, say Trieste. Part of her family comes
afternoon coffee from a moka pot.
from there and she admitted she has a bit of
of his collection – Vespa models, postcards, manuals, original blueprints – and counted 14,000 to 15,000 items. “Just the postcards number 2,000 and I have 1,000 badges.” He modestly added that a few other Vespa collectors can be found around the world, though did not deny that his collection is undeniably impressive.
Vespa ET3 1979 for Daily Use Not all Vespa riders are as adventurous as Markus or as wealthy as Marco. Unlike other
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Italian in her. Her father likes to ask friends to dinner and then they spend hours enjoying good food, chatting and laughing. Not that Austrians do not know how to do that, but anyone who has experienced both knows what I am talking about. Italians just know how to do it. “Perceiving time and surroundings is more pristine, more authentic on a Vespa. I forget about my phone, watch nature fly past me, smell the lake. The road to work is more beautiful, even though I sometimes get
First and Foremost: Freedom
drenched on the way home.”
Vespa means first and foremost freedom –
Any manufacturer of a vehicle, be it a car, a motorbike or even a bicycle, can associate its product with freedom. They are not lying, individual means of transport have given us exactly that – freedom. It is perhaps even a bit unfortunate for the Italian brand that it has over the years become a symbol of style, ridden by elegant men and women with sunglasses and kerchiefs. This is simply a mistake:
freedom that has looked stylish for 80 years. Its organically curved lines, once shaped by simple machinery, remain unchanged even in an age when CNC machines can create almost any form. But Vespa remains true to its curves. The 80 years have seen almost 20 million Vespas produced, a vehicle arising from the need for better and more comfortable human mobility in the post-WWII Italy and Europe. These millions of Vespas and their millions of stories contain all you need to know about why the world has scooters – and Vespas.
// Si Vespa jih ima 80: So skuterji in je Vespa! Vespa, ki je iz povojne nuje zrasla v svetovno ikono, ob svoji 80. obletnici ostaja simbol svobode. Njeno bistvo smo skušali ujeti skozi zgodbe treh lastnikov, ki jo uporabljajo na zelo različne načine, a jih povezuje ljubezen do tega prikupnega in brezčasnega časovnega stroja. Markus Mayer svobodo uresničuje najbolj avanturistično: v 80 dneh je z Vespo obkrožil svet, danes pa se na svoji zračno hlajeni GS 150 prepušča ritmu potovanja. Marco Fumagalli je lastnik zbirke več kot 200 Vesp in 14.000 ‘muzejskih’ kosov. Na slanem jezeru Bonneville v ZDA je s prijatelji v predelanih Vespah s stranskimi prikolicami poskusil postaviti hitrostni rekord ter dosegel 34 mph (54,7 km/h). Caroline Schmidhofer v Vespi vidi vsakdanji, a nič manj poseben način premikanja. Pri vožnji s prvo rdečo Vespo, ki jo je dobila pri petnajstih, ali z zeleno ET3 iz leta 1979 lahko svet doživlja počasneje in bolj pristno.
Speedbooks Sports Audiobook of the Year
Susie Wolff: Driven Formula 1 has rarely celebrated those who have had to fight hardest simply to earn their place on the starting grid. In Driven, Susie Wolff tells the remarkable story behind one of motorsport’s most influential careers, from a determined young karter to Formula 1 test driver and, today, Managing Director of F1 Academy. Wolff learned to thrive in an environment where talent alone was never enough. Her memoir is refreshingly honest, capturing both the thrill of racing and the resilience required to succeed under constant scrutiny. Beyond the cockpit, Driven offers an insider’s view of the Formula 1 paddock, exploring leadership, teamwork, family life, and the determination to inspire a new generation of female drivers. Written with warmth and grace, it is far more than a sporting autobiography. Driven also made history at the Sports Book Awards, becoming the first title to be nominated in three categories, with Wolff winning Audiobook of the Year for her own narration. hodder.co.uk
66 Flavours of the Legendary Road
Linda Ly: The Route 66 Cookbook Few roads have captured the imagination quite like Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, America’s legendary highway is a symbol of freedom, adventure and discovery. Linda Ly celebrates this enduring icon with a cookbook that is as much a travel companion as it is a collection of recipes. Organised state by state, the book follows the historic route through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, introducing readers to the distinctive flavours that have shaped roadside America for almost a century. From Apple Strudel to The Elvis Ugly Crust Pie, from classic diners and smoky barbecue joints to Mexican specialties, indigenous cuisine and regional desserts, every recipe tells a story about the communities that continue to define this celebrated highway. With 66 recipes from the Midwest to the West Coast, The Route 66 Cookbook has it all, honouring an American road trip tradition and ensuring you can enjoy it even if you’re not on the road.
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quarto.com
Unleash your genius
Ulay/Marina Abramović: ART VITAL by Moleskine With its latest limited-edition release, the iconic notebook maker pays tribute to one of the most influential artistic partnerships of the twentieth century. Spanning 12 years, from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, Marina Abramović and Ulay created a groundbreaking body of performance art that redefined the relationship between artist, audience and the human body. By embracing vulnerability and tension, they revealed profound truths about connection and separation. The new Moleskine Cahier captures the duality at the heart of Abramović and Ulay’s collaboration – its double elastic-band closure symbolises two paths that converge and diverge. The couple’s work showed that creative breakthroughs often emerge from moments of conscious discomfort. This notebook carries that spirit forward, inviting every page to become a space for fearless creation. The Cahier’s cover evokes the visual identity of ART VITAL – 12 Years of Ulay/Marina Abramović, presented at the Aranya Art Center North from 31 July 2026 to 28 February 2027. The exhibition is the most comprehensive survey to date of the artists’ 12-year creative and personal partnership. moleskine.com
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Speedbooks
by Tina Torelli
A Timeless Classic
Wilfred Thesiger: Arabian Sands There are travel books, and then there are books that redefine the very meaning of exploration. Arabian Sands belongs firmly to the latter. More than six decades after its original publication, Wilfred Thesiger’s extraordinary account of crossing the Empty Quarter remains one of the greatest adventure narratives ever written. Driven by a profound dissatisfaction with the comforts of modern life, Thesiger immersed himself in a world that few Westerners had ever witnessed. Travelling alongside Bedouin tribes through one of the most unforgiving landscapes on Earth, he endured blistering heat, freezing nights, relentless sandstorms and constant uncertainty. Yet what emerges most vividly is not hardship, but his deep admiration for a culture built on resilience, generosity and unwavering dignity. Written with humility and quiet elegance, Arabian Sands captures a disappearing way of life at the very moment before oil transformed the Arabian Peninsula forever. Rich in observation and philosophical reflection, it continues to inspire travellers, historians and dreamers alike. penguinrandomhouse.com
Signed by His Holiness Dalai Lama
Thomas Laird: Murals of Tibet More an art experience than a book, Murals of Tibet is unquestionably a monumental publishing achievement. Photographer and historian Thomas Laird devoted more than a decade to documenting the magnificent murals hidden within Tibet’s ancient monasteries. Many of these are inaccessible to visitors, while others have already begun to deteriorate beyond repair. Through pioneering photographic techniques developed specifically for this project, Laird succeeded in capturing every intricate detail at an unprecedented scale and level of accuracy, allowing readers to appreciate works that were once almost impossible to study. The luxury edition is an object of art in its own right. Each collector’s edition is signed and blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and presented with a foldable lectern designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. Beyond the obvious: SUMO format, 60 kg, museum-quality printing, 498 pages, 918 copies and a €20,000 tag, the book carries a deeper significance. The murals are not merely remarkable examples of artistic achievement, but visual expressions of Buddhist philosophy, one of the world’s richest cultural heritages. taschen.com
Into the Deep
James Nestor: Deep The greatest frontier on Earth is not found among the stars, but beneath the surface of our own oceans. In Deep – Freediving, Renegade Science and What the Ocean Tells Us About Ourselves, acclaimed journalist James Nestor embarks on a fascinating journey into one of the planet’s last great unknowns, revealing a hidden world where science, exploration and human endurance meet in extraordinary ways. What begins as an assignment covering a freediving competition soon evolves into an obsession. Following some of the world’s most accomplished divers, marine scientists and underwater explorers, Nestor ventures into an environment that pushes both body and mind beyond their limits. Along the way, he uncovers surprising discoveries about the human diving reflex, the remarkable adaptations of marine life and the enduring mysteries that continue to challenge our understanding of the sea. Deep reminds us that, despite extraordinary technological progress, much of our own planet remains unexplored and full of wonder. Thought-provoking, it is the kind of book that will leave you looking at the ocean – and yourself – with entirely new eyes.
mrjamesnestor.com
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Sverre Liljequist/Engeleberg
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Matilda Rapaport/Haines, AK
Oskar Enander – Extreme Skier and Photographer
SHADOWS ARE MORE EVOCATIVE THAN COLOURS
by Miran Ališič photography Oskar Enander
When you come across his photos, be it in a magazine, on a poster, or at an exhibition, you notice their distinctiveness. They are photographs all right, but they portray the gaze of someone who sees his subjects differently. You can see and feel their energy, but also serenity, strong contrast and the incredible power of nature in the moment the shot was taken. Looking for the name of the photographer who took them, you find Oskar Enander. Not much is written about the Swede online; he seems to prefer to let his photography do the talking, and it is not surprising he substituted the vastness of Sweden for a narrow Alpine valley under the mighty 3,238-metre-high Titlis in central Switzerland almost a quarter of a century ago. Engelberg has long been his home and a place of inspiration.
Mattias Hargin/Haslital
His first answers over a cappuccino in the
From Hobby…
became a decent skier, although it took a long
café of the luxurious Kempinski Palace hotel
“I met a very good friend then with whom I’m still
time for him to catch up at least somewhat with
in the middle of the village come as a surprise.
friends. I left Chamonix for a while for Fernie in
his peers and others who had been descending
Oskar never skied as a child. “I grew up in the
Canada, and it was there that I decided that this
the white slopes since early childhood.
south of Sweden, in Gothenburg. My parents
would be my lifestyle.” Oskar had no profession,
didn’t ski, the sport wasn’t close to me. I think
he just wanted to live in this way. To make ends
…To Profession
I first set foot on skis aged 14, when I went to
meet he continued doing various, not particularly
The doors to the world of snow sport
a small nearby ski resort with friends during the
pleasant, temporary jobs, mainly physical
photography that he so quickly mastered
holidays, and we also had a ski sports day at
work, as he could earn more doing that than by
were indirectly opened by his now former
school...” Dressed simply in a T-shirt and jeans,
working in tourism or catering. This was followed
Swiss partner. “Her brother was an excellent
Oskar does not have fond memories of these
by back-breaking loading of big fish off the coast
snowboarder and he asked me if I would work
beginnings. Skiing felt very tiring, he did not
of Norway, when he sometimes worked 20 hours
with him. That’s how I met even more skiers
like it at all, and was sure at the time it would
a day... “With the money I bought a campervan
and snowboarders, I got more and more offers,
never become a part of his life. “The turning
to travel around the Alps – in the winter, mainly.
and eventually started sending my photos
point came when I was 19. We went to
In the first evening, police chased my friend and
to magazines all over the world.” Oskar was
Chamonix with friends for a week and
I out of a parking lot in St. Anton in Tyrol, so we
persistent. He remembers sending his photos
I watched the lifestyle of young people in the
ended up in Engelberg on that very same night.
to at least 50 magazines dedicated to this topic
mountains, their freedom, enjoyment of nature,
Wouldn’t you know, the village had a campsite
at the time. “Out of about 100 photos, which
whether they were skiing, snowboarding or
which was also very cheap as well.” That
I sent to the American Powder Magazine, one
mountaineering. I fell in love with their lifestyle,
happened around the turn of the millennium.
was chosen for publication and became Photo
even though I was studying civil engineering
He liked the village, liked the high mountains with
of the Year in 2003. I was invited to Aspen
in Sweden.” Well, construction quickly got
lots of snow even more, fell in love with a local
for the ceremony. That was the first year I got
sidelined and Oskar took a year off. He did odd
woman and stayed. “By then I was already
seriously involved with photography. The award
jobs, usually hard physical work in warehouses
watching other photographers’ work and I liked
wasn’t about the money, of course, it was about
and often at night, saving money all the time
what I saw. I was interested in photography,
recognition.” The Swede quickly became known
so that he could return to Chamonix for
but only as a hobby. In 2002, I bought my first
in extreme skiing circles, especially amongst
six months.
real camera, a Canon, and two lenses.” He also
Americans who came to Europe and increasingly
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Johan Jonsson/Engelberg
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Marcus Caston/Engelberg
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“I watched the lifestyle of young people in the mountains, their freedom, enjoyment of nature, whether they were skiing, snowboarding or mountaineering. I fell in love with their lifestyle.”
Santiago Guzman, Piers Solomon/Engelberg
Piers Solomon/Engelberg
wanted to work with him. He still had to
extreme mountain photography.” He notes
magazine, he is captivated by the stories
work as a waiter for a few years before
that Engelberg, lying as it does in the
and photos from a different world of
becoming able of earning a living as
shadow of Titlis, provides numerous such
photography, although he admits he had
a professional photographer. “I noticed
contrasts with its pronounced duality of
never heard of the company before as
that I had my own special and distinct style
light and dark.
motorsport or cars have never attracted him. “I have a bit of general knowledge
of photography. Magazine editors liked it because my photos were very editorial and
Another Love
about Formula 1 superstars, and I’ve even
seemingly less commercial.” Oskar has in
He still prefers to ski and take photos
watched some races, but this world has
the meantime also found family happiness
in the winter, but has long ago found
never piqued my interest. I drive a Škoda,
with a new partner, a Norwegian who
another love – golf. Magazines have
which is already getting on and will have to
had also settled in Engelberg. He has
become increasingly rare and the amount
be replaced soon. I choose cars based on
two daughters, aged nine and eleven, but
of editorial photography is decreasing,
their practicality and the amount of space
I found it interesting that he mentioned
so Oskar has for a long time had to
to accommodate my equipment, never on
the peculiarity that perhaps best explains
make ends meet by doing commercial
the engine, suspension, cornering ability or
his photographic style only towards the
photography, which remains in some way
sound...” Before we part our ways, Oskar,
end of our conversation. “I’m colour blind
connected to his basic mission. Nature,
perhaps more for fun than not, asks, “Since
and cannot distinguish between certain
skiing, and mountaineering are still his
I’m thinking of getting a new car, what would
colours. Apparently, this is why I focus
motifs, more often in winter, though
you suggest?” After quickly sizing up the
more on the interplay between light and
occasionally also in summer. Leafing
reserved Swede, devoted to nature, I reply,
shadow, something that occurs often in
through a previous issue of the Akrapovič
“I think perhaps a Volvo might suit you best.”
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Linus Archibald /Engelberg
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“I had my own special and distinct style of photography. Magazine editors liked it because my photos were very editorial.”
Olof Larsson/Engelberg
// Si EKSTREMNI SMUČAR IN FOTOGRAF OSKAR ENANDER O švedskem fotografu Oskarju Enanderju ni veliko napisanega, raje ima, da o njem
91
govorijo njegove fotografije. Čeprav mu smučanje v mladosti ni bilo blizu, je preobrat doživel pri devetnajstih v Chamonixu, ko ga je prevzel življenjski slog v hribih. Švedska prostranstva je nato dokončno zapustil pred četrt stoletja in se ustalil v Engelbergu pod Titlisom, kjer je našel dom in navdih. Po številnih priložnostnih, pogosto fizičnih delih, potovanjih in selitvah je fotografija iz hobija prerasla v poklic. Preboj je dosegel leta 2003, ko je s fotografijo, objavljeno v reviji Powder Magazine, osvojil naziv fotografije leta. Zaradi barvne slepote njegovi motivi predstavljajo izrazito drugačen pogled na svet – njegov slog je izjemno prepoznaven po igri svetlobe in senc, v slikah pa se prepletajo energija, spokojnost, močni kontrasti ter neverjetna moč narave.
Johan Jonsson/Engelberg
Original
photography Bor Dobrin
by Tina Torelli
Discovery After 6,500 Years
ANCIENT WOOD REBORN IN MUSIC A serendipitous discovery of a 6,500-year-old fir wood in the Slovenian mountains set in motion an extraordinary chain of events – and ultimately gave voice to a remarkable violin. Like any fairytale, this one has its archetypal characters: three very resourceful brothers, a master devoted to his craft, the immense force of nature, and a forgotten treasure that laid buried for thousands of years before revealing itself to those able to recognise its worth.
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“The fir was preserved beautifully; its cellular structure had changed over thousands of years in ways that enhanced its acoustic potential.” – Daniel Musek
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Daniel Musek
Long before kingdoms, or concert halls, magnificent fir trees stood at the tiny mountain village of Čadrg, near Tolmin in today’s Slovenia. Europe was still cloaked in forests, and people lived in close communion with nature. The Kutin brothers, founders of the prehistoric fir wood, share something of that ancient sensibility. In the mid-16th century, not that far away from Čadrg, Andrea Amati laid the foundations of the Cremonese school of lutherie. His craft was perfected by his grandson Nicolò, whose influence extended to the greatest violin makers of all times: Antonio Stradivari, Andrea Guarneri and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù. Daniel Musek, a violin maker from Škofja Loka, immersed himself in this same living tradition of lutherie. Yet technical mastery alone would never have been enough for what lay ahead. Transforming a 6,500-year-old piece of subfossil wood into the Mother Violin also demanded an openness to Eastern philosophy.
Chapter 1: The Discovery Jani Kutin welcomes us to Čadrg, a village reached by a narrow mountain road that clings to the cliffs above the Tolmin Gorges. Home to barely 50 inhabitants, where cows, chickens and geese roam freely, the village is full of treasures. “It all begins with a conservation project to restore traditional mountain ponds, natural habitats for protected wildlife,” Jani explains. “Had my brother Gorazd not been working for the Triglav National
Jani Kutin
Park institute, the fir trunks would probably have remained buried forever.” Gorazd also proposed restoring Čadrg’s local pond, what set in motion
The Treasure Hunters
a chain of coincidences. To generations of kids
The Kutin brothers never set out to become
in Čadrg, a bedtime story of an ancient fir forest
archaeologists, they just paid attention. Some
where wild beasts lived was told. Sadly, today
years ago, Gorazd found fragments of Mesolithic
there are no fir trees left; the last one was used
flint tools on a pasture close to the pond. Soon
for the construction of a cableway just before
afterwards, while digging a hole to plant a walnut
the First World War. As the excavator bit into the
tree, Jani uncovered pieces of pottery and rusted
mud, the dark trunks emerged from the earth.
iron – a sign of eight Celtic graves. When the
To the workers on a site, they looked useless.
prehistoric fir emerged from the mud, experience
“I fortunately happened to be there,” says Jani
had already taught the brothers to not dismiss
with a smile. For the ancient fir tree to be reborn
the finding. “There were no marks of human tools
as a remarkable instrument 6,500 years after its
on the trunks,” Jani explains. “That was crucially
mummification – as the radiocarbon analysis in
important. Fossils are protected by law, but this
Vienna confirmed – the person standing beside
was subfossil wood, so no such law applied.
the pond had to be three in one: a musician, an
We stored it properly and then my brother Samo
amateur archaeologist and a wood technician able
suggested making instruments.” The brothers
to identify timber at a glance. The age of the fir
devised an unusual partnership with instrument
wood also lent remarkable support to a geological
makers. For every two instruments crafted from
theory. Sediment cores from nearby Lake Bohinj
the ancient timber, one would remain with their
revealed evidence of a colossal earthquake that
family. “The best part,” Jani says with a smile,
struck the region around 6,500 years ago. A four-
“is that because we ourselves are musicians, we
metre layer of disturbed sediment suggests the
now get to make music on these extraordinary
event triggered massive landslides. Jani believes
instruments: a lyre, flutes, drums, an exceptional
this was the very catastrophe that sealed the trees’
acoustic guitar – and a violin.” Should any of
fate, burying them beneath layers of sediment
these instruments ever be sold, a portion of the
where they remained perfectly preserved.
proceeds would return to Čadrg. For Jani, this was non-negotiable: the pond belongs to the village. It is a philosophy rooted not in ownership, but in stewardship. Perhaps that is why the fir found them.
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Chapter 2: The Violin Maker Leaving Čadrg behind, we travel to the medieval town of Škofja Loka, again in Slovenia, where the story takes another turn in Daniel Musek’s workshop. The murmur of the river mingles with Bach drifting softly through the room. Gentle daylight falls across benches scattered with chisels, planes, varnish, half-finished instruments and a picture of Sadhguru – his project Save Soil Movement is especially close to the luthier’s heart. Musek first learned the craft of violin making in Ljubljana, the capital of tiny Slovenia, under master luthier Demšar before continuing his studies in Cremona. “I wanted to learn where the violin was born,” he says. His teacher, Maestro Bissolotti – heir to one of the most respected violin-making traditions of the past century – was a devoted traditionalist. Musek inherited the same uncompromising pursuit of perfection, yet tempers it with the flexibility of a yogi.
Honouring the Feminine
The Star Is Born
When asked why Mother Violin, Musek hesitates.
Now the master had to answer one final question:
The story is deeply personal. “In the yogic tradition,
What could this ancient tree become? Every
teachers often speak about the fundamental
great classical violin balances warmth, depth,
imbalance of the modern Western world – the
and brilliance. “What surprised me most,” Musek
lack of the feminine principle.” Then came the
says, “was its incredible amount of brilliance.”
prehistoric fir. “The trees rose from the earth. From
The first time he played the completed instrument,
the soil,” he says slowly. “They were preserved by
the sound overwhelmed him. “I nearly fell off my
Mother Nature. The Kutin brothers understand this
chair,” he laughs. Its clarity was so extraordinary
instinctively. Their connection to the land is why
that he deliberately softened its voice, adding
they hold a thanksgiving concert beside the pond
warmth. “I grounded it a little,” he admits.
every Midsummer’s Night.” As Jani told us, this year
And although collectors have already expressed
the Mother Violin invited herself to the celebration.
interest in acquiring the Mother Violin, Musek’s
Time to Roll Up Sleeves
thoughts are elsewhere. Who should be the first to bring it to life? His answer comes without
There was enough prehistoric timber to build
hesitation. “A woman. A truly feminine violinist.”
only a handful of instruments – perhaps a dozen
The coincidence delights him: Mother Violin.
in total. Musek decided that the first violin should
Anne-Sophie Mutter. Not only for her mastery, but
follow the classical Cremonese tradition as
also her involvement with humanitarian causes.
closely as possible. And although the instrument
The connection was never planned, yet somehow
itself took six months to build, the most difficult
feels inevitable. And this violin, he believes, will
work happened before he picked up a single
sing for at least another thousand years, reminding
tool. “For three months,” he recalls, “I did little
us about the importance of the soil. The feminine.
except think. About 80 percent of violin making is engineering,” Musek explains. “The remaining 20 percent is art.” One decision proved especially important: the colour. Classical violins made of spruce, glow with warm amber, honey and reddish tones. The prehistoric fir was different – soft greys,
// Si
blue-grey, hints of green and muted beige. Almost immediately, Musek and his greatest adviser –
ODKRITJE PO 6.500 LETIH: STARODAVNI LES,
his wife, Anja – agreed on one principle: rather
PREROJEN V GLASBO
than transform the ancient timber, they would preserve its natural appearance. It was an unusual
Najdba 6.500 let stare jelke v Čadrgu je sprožila izjemno zgodbo,
decision – and a technically very demanding one.
ki je združila iznajdljive brate Kutin, mojstra izdelovalca violin
“Varnish is the black hole of our profession,” Musek
Daniela Muska ter moč narave. Med obnovo vaškega kala so iz
says with a laugh. Its true secret lies in the medium
mulja nepričakovano privrela ohranjena drevesna debla, ki jih je
that binds resins, oils, and pigments – a formula no
Jani Kutin prepoznal kot dragocen subfosilni les, verjetno pokopan
one has reconstructed with certainty. Musek has
po mogočnem prazgodovinskem potresu. Bratje so les skrbno
his own interpretation of it, but this time the varnish
shranili in se povezali z izdelovalci instrumentov, da bi iz njega
had to protect the violin (and the sound) without
nastala posebna glasbila. Musek, ki združuje tradicijo cremonske
obscuring the ancient wood, while the maple had
šole in elemente jogijske filozofije, je iz jelke ustvaril violino, ki jo
to be brought closer to the fir’s colour. “I finally
je poimenoval mati violin – instrument nežno sive barve z izjemnim
found a way to suspend a mineral layer between
zvokom. Violina uteleša spoštovanje do zemlje, ženske energije
the wood and the varnish, cooling the colour while
in starodavne povezanosti človeka z naravo, in bo, kot verjame
preserving its transparency.”
Musek, s svojim zvenom to sporočilo ohranjala še stoletja.
97
98
High G e ar
High Gear
98
Which MotoGP Rounds Are the Best? by Mat Oxley
THE PERFECT MOTOGP CALENDAR
illustration Natan Esku
What makes a great MotoGP event?
Or Suzuka, Japan’s first Grand Prix track,
the weekend has a vibe like no other MotoGP
The racetrack, of course, but what else?
which is still used for the Suzuka Eight Hour
event. Rent a scooter, watch some racing,
The circuit’s surroundings, certainly,
endurance race.
explore the island of Lombok, chill out on the pristine beaches, then head into Kuta at night.
because it’s nice to be somewhere
Nowhere else like it.
beautiful and perhaps historic, with
Spa and Salzburgring were struck from the
interesting towns and cities nearby.
MotoGP championship in the 1990s because
Definitely the quality of the local bars
they were too dangerous, but legends of that
If I could wave a magic wand and make
and restaurants, if you like that kind
time, like Wayne Rainey and Mick Doohan,
all circuits 100 % safe, this would be my
of thing, like I do. And finally, the
remember them with great fondness, because
dream 20-round MotoGP calendar: Aragon
fans – how many, how loud and how’s
riding them was such a buzz! Suzuka followed
(Spain), Assen, Brands Hatch (UK, full
the atmosphere?
a decade later for the same reason.
circuit), Brno, Catalunya (Spain), Circuit Paul
So, it’s a mix of everything and – like
MotoGP’s greatest current racetracks are
circuit), Istanbul Park (Turkey), Jerez (Spain),
all things in life – it’s the balance that
Mugello in Italy, Silverstone in the UK, Assen
Mandalika, Monza (Italy), Mugello, Phillip
counts. Thus, a boring racetrack might
in the Netherlands and Brno in the Czech
Island (Australia), Red Bull Ring, Sachsenring
be balanced out by great local bars and
Republic, because they’re fast and flowing, so
(Germany), Salzburgring, Sepang (Malaysia),
restaurants, because it’s all about the total
they demand skill and bravery from riders and
Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka.
weekend experience.
they usually create good racing.
Ricard (France), Hockenheim (Germany, old
If I could attend just one MotoGP race? I’ve followed MotoGP since 1988, so I’ve
Mugello is also a beautiful place to be, nestled
Jerez, because it has a bit of everything:
attended close to five hundred Grands Prix,
in the Tuscan hills, an hour from Florence,
the circuit layout is good, the fans are the
from Silverstone to Laguna Seca and from
centre of the Renaissance and paradise for
best, so on race day the place feels like
Suzuka to Buenos Aires. All those memories
those that are fond of the pleasures of the
Rome’s Colosseum. The nearby city of Jerez
jostle for attention in my mind – great days at
table. Catalunya is the same – a short ride
is stunning, with wonderful food and drink,
the races and fun nights out with colleagues,
from the awesome city of Barcelona. To me,
and there are plenty more historic towns and
riders and mechanics.
the most picturesque circuit of them all is
villages to explore. Enjoy!
Austria’s Red Bull Ring, set in Alpine pastures To me, there’s absolutely zero doubt about
and overlooked by Alpine peaks, like the former
which is the best MotoGP track of them all:
home of the country’s Grand Prix.
Spa-Francorchamps, which hurtles this way and that through Belgium’s Ardennes Forest
I also love Mandalika, which has hosted
at mind-boggling speed. Or maybe, Austria’s
Indonesia’s MotoGP round since 2022. Why?
Salzburgring, another blindingly fast layout in
Because it’s unique. The circuit is a ten-minute
an Alpine valley, under towering Alpine peaks.
ride from the backpacking town of Kuta, so
This article does not necessarily correspond with the opinions of Akrapovič d.d., the publishers or the editors.
Mat Oxley Mat Oxley has been a motorcycle journalist for more than four decades, covering MotoGP full-time since 1988. During his own racing career, he won an Isle of Man TT and finished second in the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Follow @matoxley / X and Instagram
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