Swiss solar cyclists pop open the bubbly

Andrea Vezzini and the Swiss "Spirit of Bike" team. "Spirit of Bike"

After five days, three hours and 22 minutes, the "Spirit of Bike" team crossed the World Solar Challenge finish line in Adelaide, Australia.

“It’s an incredible relief,” organiser Andrea Vezzini told swissinfo. “These six days spent crossing the Australian desert were the culmination of more than a year’s work.”

The Swiss team of 10 cyclists rotated pedalling duty on the two Intellibikes. The bikes were created by a group of professors, assistants and students from the Bernese city’s engineering school. Instead of solar panels, the bicycles rely on batteries, which drive a small electrical motor.

The motor then multiplies the rider’s efforts, allowing the cyclist to cruise along at steady speeds.

The Dutch team Nuna won the 6th World Solar Race after crossing the ceremonial finish line on Thursday.

The race, first held in 1987, left Darwin in the far north on Sunday and took competitors to Adelaide on the southern coast via Alice Springs.

Real goal

“Our goal was not to win, because we weren’t racing in our proper category,” Vezzini said. “My main concern was to bring the team safe and sound to Adelaide and I’ve accomplished my mission.”

The cyclists used pedal power to cover the 3,000km course without crashing once. The only upset occurred within two kilometres of the finish line: a logistical support vehicle punctured a tyre.

The Swiss cyclists celebrated their achievement but expressed disappointment that the expedition was over. Sandra Stierli shed a tear on a teammate’s shoulder.

“It was fantastic, words cannot describe it. Now that it’s all over, I’m so sad. I’m going to miss the team and the ambiance of these last six days.”

Despite all the time spent on the Intellibike, Stierli said she did not feel tired. “Now we can turn around and head back towards Darwin,” she suggested.

Surreal landscape

From the marshes of Darwin, across the red soil of Alice Springs, passing the lunar landscape of Coober Pedy, the “Spirit of Bike” team crossed varied terrain. “I’ll always remember this surreal landscape,” said Laurent Rimet, Swiss cyclist.

The Intellibike ran at an average speed of 65km per hour throughout the race, and at times exceeded the 100km per hour barrier, Vezzini noted proudly.

Vezzini said he already has other projects in store. The electronic bicycle conceived in Biel is to participate in several races next year. The engineer could not hide his excitement at the prospect of beating, one day, the world speed record.

Before undertaking the next challenge, the “Spirit of Bike” team is returning to Switzerland. Their cycling machine will go on display at the national exhibition Expo.02 in Biel.

by Stephane Hiscock