It’s been a thrilling summer of sport here in the U.K. First came the Euro final that filled Wembley stadium and sent COVID rates soaring. Then came the array of glittering medals clanking round the necks of Olympians returning from Tokyo. The Nation has been enthralled. But, for Sally and me, our attention has, once again, been riveted on the progress of an unknown Austrian who got on his bike at 08:08 Tuesday and who has been pedalling non-stop ever since. For 84 gruelling hours his weary legs have propelled him for 2,070km and, with another 100km to go he should take line honours in the very early hours of Saturday morning.
Franz Scharler came late to competitive sport but he has made up for his sedentary years by taking on the most punishing challenges that can be imagined. Pitted against a pack of professional athletes this Salzburger plumber is leading the way as he surges along the race route that hugs the Austrian border for 2,170 km gobbling up alpine passes galore as he goes.
By day he fits Qooker taps and designs heat pump systems. At weekends the Lycra goes on and he streaks out into the Austrian countryside to build fitness and stamina. Meticulous planning and training got him to the starting line and a devoted support team have coaxed, fed, and watered him along the way. Team Scharler is just two Transit vans, a handful of friends and Berta, his girlfriend. That’s it. No big money sponsors, no live social media feeds and no media campaign. Just sweat, planning, pain, talent and hard, hard graft.
It’s not the first time Franz has seized our attention. Three years ago Team Scharler came out of nowhere to smash the record in the shorter Race Around Austria which is a puny 1,500km route. We were in awe of his achievement then and now we can’t believe our eyes as we watch him lead the final charge to the chequered flag and the end of Europe’s most gruelling ultra marathons. Franz we salute you.
But what’s next? We read that this Austrian extravaganza is a qualifier for the 5,000 km Race Across America. I’m guessing that’s next on your bucket list and if so we’ll be there to cheer you on your way. Well done Franz, you are an inspiration!
2,170 km with 30,000 metres of ascent in 88 hours 54 minutes with just 10 minutes of sleep.
Update on 26th August 2021. In the history of the solo ultra race only 4 men have completed the race faster than Franz. All 4 were professional cyclists making Franz the fastest amateur since the race began.
