Akrapovič Magazine vol. 31

ISSUE 31

AKRAPOVIČ SLIP-ON LINE (TITANIUM) EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR BMW M3 AND M4

EVERGREEN Pol Tarrés

RIDER FROM THE FUTURE Interview with Toby Price

FINDING THE WAY

Marc Philipp Gemballa and the Marsien

MAKER OF DREAMS COME TRUE

A column by Toby Moody

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Plane, train, or automobile, no matter how you access the mountains, Voyager fits your adventure.

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C ont e nt s

A K RAP OV I Č Akrapovič Lifestyle Magazine Issue 31, November 2021 Akrapovič d.d.

Malo Hudo 8a SI-1295 Ivančna Gorica Slovenia www.akrapovic.com Editor in Chief: Miran Ališič Publisher: Korpmedia d.o.o.

Tomšičeva 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia www.korpmedia.si Registration No.: 2272237000 VAT No.: SI14601737 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, Robert Cankar, Akrapovič Kreativa d.o.o.

Content Editor: Jasna Milinković Contributors: Michael Baumann, Alenka Birk, Bor Dobrin, Volker Hirth, Matevž Hribar, Kentaro Hiroshima, Primož Jurman, Saša Kapetanovič, Peter Kavčič, Gaber Keržišnik, Toby Moody, Mitja Reven, Karin Sturm, Tina Torelli, Jean Turner, Federico Tondelli Contributing Photographers: Adam Campbell, Akrapovič, Alex Štokelj, Bentley Motors, BMW, Brazo del Hierro, Bor Dobrin, Federico Tondelli, Graeme Brown, Grega Valančič, Ivana Krešić, Javier Echevarria, Lamborghini, Marc Robinot, Option, Oskar Bakke, Ray Archer, Sportida, Yamaha Translation: Matjaž Horvat, Werner Schneider Proofreading: Katarina Mahnič, Tim Walpole Ad space marketing: www.yvision.ch Y.Vision GmbH, Poststrasse 9, 6300 Zug, Switzerland On the cover: Akrapovič exhaust system for Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha YZR-M1 (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Valencia 2021 Printing: LUart, Lepovče 42, 1310 Ribnica, Slovenia

Contents

05 Letter

06 Akrapovič News

12 Technology

18 Story

22 Technology

28 Evolution

32 Interview

40 Ride With Us

46 Story

50 Adventure

56 Evolution

62 Visit With Us

68 Story

72 Original

78 High Gear

// 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 November 2021 in 6.000 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

04

Decisions made with common sense Igor Akrapovič embarked on his solo business career in 1991.

He decided to make his vision come true and began looking for coworkers to help him follow a path that nobody had forged before in the industry in Slovenia. Some of us were motorcycle enthusiasts, others were craftsmen living near the Dolenjska region, who were looking for a job closer to home.

Many had doubts at the start, wondering whether we can really sell enough exhausts to pay for our salaries…

Most of us had no clue about what was going through Igor's mind or what his vision was. We let ourselves be led down this uncertain path and gradually began to piece together all that was needed to achieve our goal. We paved our way towards the top by making quality products. This required a lot of ingenuity and resourcefulness, as we, for example, had to set up most of the work processes from scratch. Igor meanwhile made bold business decisions using his intuition and a well-honed sense of customer needs and expectations, thereby successfully steering the company towards ever greater achievements. In doing so, he did not blindly rely on the results and findings of business analytics, but made his decisions with the requisite amount of prudence and rationality - in other words, by using common sense.

Fast forward 30 years and the business environment is changing radically. The market situation is more uncertain than ever before. The need to preserve nature, the trends towards more sustainable development and, consequently, the electrification of the automotive industry and related

regulations, are already shaping the economic landscape of tomorrow. Add Covid-19 - a looming threat that has severely impacted the rhythm of our everyday lives and fundamentally altered our ways of living - to the mix and the immense importance of choosing how to continue becomes abundantly clear.

The path we take today might quite possibly define our future for the next 30 years. If we want to continue with our string of achievements and successes, we will need to keep making decisions based on subtle insights into the wishes and needs of our customers, understand the technical and operational potential of our own technological capabilities, continue investing in the workforce and development, find a balance between business indicators and business intuition, enrich our many years of experience with the bold ideas of future leaders and, above all, maintain our common sense.

If we are able to do the above, I believe that we can turn the current situation to our advantage - within the motoring industry and beyond. Thus, perhaps three decades from now, we will not only look at the present as a period of challenges, threats and obstacles, but remember it as the moment when we reached our full potential, seized new opportunities and charted the course for the next 30 years of achievements and successes - a moment we will look back on with pride.

Slavko Alojz Trstenjak Head of Akrapovič Racing R&D

A krapov ič Ne w s

More than 150 World Champions!

Remy Gardner, Fabio Quartararo, Pedro Acosta

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings

Akrapovič exhaust system. It was convincingly

rode to a convincing victory at the last race of

won by Maxime Renaux on a Yamaha, who

the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship

finished the season with a commanding

season, becoming MXGP World Champion,

124-point advantage over Jago Geerts, his

grabbing his second championship title in

teammate at the Monster Energy Yamaha

the premier motocross class and his fifth

Factory MX2 team.

overall in motocross. This particular November

Similarly as in MXGP, the overall winner in the

Wednesday in Mantova, Italy, was also important

FIM Supercross World Championship was also

for Akrapovič, as the 27-year-old Dutchman

decided at the last race of the season, with

claimed the 150th World Champion title for the

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb

Slovenian company. This year alone, 13 riders

taking the laurels with a convincing victory in

became best in the world in their classes using

Salt Lake City, Utah, becoming the best in the

racing machines equipped with Akrapovič

world in 450SX for the second time. Two other

exhaust systems. Altogether, the Slovenian

riders on off-road bikes made by Austria’s KTM

company, which is marking its 30th anniversary

and fitted with exhaust systems from Ivančna

in 2021, now has 153 World Champion titles

Gorica also finished their seasons in the top

under its belt, with the first one coming in 2000,

spot. Matthias Walkner (Red Bull KTM Factory

courtesy of Colin Edwards (Honda), and the

Racing) had gathered enough points to clinch

100th at the end of 2015, delivered by Jorge

his second FIM Cross-Country Rallies World

Lorenzo (Yamaha). The overall victory in the

Championship title at the penultimate rally of

MX2 class of the 2021 FIM Motocross World

the season in Morocco, while Josep Garcia

Championship also went to a rider with an

(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) celebrated his Matthias Walkner

Photo: Rally Zone / KTM Images

06 / 11

Cooper Webb

Akrapovič News

Photo: ALIGN MEDIA / KTM Images

Laia Sanz Photo: Future7Media / GASGAS Factory Racing

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu

Maxime Renaux

Jeffrey Herlings

overall win in the Enduro 2 category of the FIM

Bull KTM Ajo) won the World Championship

Junior) cemented his position as the fastest

Enduro World Championship a few days later.

in his first season, at the tender age of 17. In a

rider this season, while a few hours before

He was joined by Laia Sanz (GASGAS Factory

class of his own in Moto2 was Remy Gardner

that an epic fight in the 2021 FIM Superbike

Racing), who again proved unbeatable in the

(Red Bull KTM Ajo) - son of Wayne Gardner,

World Championship in Indonesia resulted in

FIM EnduroGP Women World Championship,

the 500cc title winner in 1987 - who beat the

the first-ever title of the best in the world for

with her teammate Andrea Verona crowned the

rest of the grid to take the intermediate class

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx

best in Enduro 1.

honours. The title in the premier category went

WorldSBK).

Akrapovič’s partners who race on asphalt had a

to Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha

similarly successful season. The FIM Supersport

MotoGP), whose convincing performance

300 World Championship title was won by

in the 2021 season made him the first-ever

Adrián Huertas (MTM Kawasaki) and the group

French MotoGP Champion. The penultimate

photo at the end of the FIM MotoGP World

weekend in November added two more World

Championship season featured exclusively

Champions to Akrapovič’s roster. In the FIM

Akrapovič-equipped bikes for the first time

Moto3 Junior World Championship race in

since 2012. Moto3 rookie Pedro Acosta (Red

Valencia, Daniel Holgado (GASGAS Aspar Team

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Exhaust for the Lamborghini Huracán range Akrapovič has once again joined forces with Lamborghini, with the two technical partners following up the lightweight titanium rear arch for the Lamborghini Huracán STO with an exhaust system for various models of the Huracán range. The Slovenian specialist in lightweight materials and the famous Italian sports car manufacturer have developed a lightweight titanium exhaust system designed to significantly reduce weight. The titanium exhaust for the Huracán, available at authorised Lamborghini dealers, enhances the sportscar’s thrilling sound throughout the entire rev range and is music to your ears.

Celebrations at Red Bull Romaniacs Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler claimed victory at the 2021 Red Bull Romaniacs, round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, winning the world’s toughest hard enduro race for the third time in a row. Apart from the winner and numerous other riders sporting Akrapovič exhaust systems, two Slovenians also made their marks.

Tjaša Fifer (Beta) won in the Iron class and Toni Mulec (Husqvarna Motorcycles) came in second in the Silver class.

8 Photo: Denis Janežič

06 / 11

Akrapovič News

Thank you, Valentino In August, nine-time World Champion and Grand Prix racing legend Valentino Rossi, who rode for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team this season, announced his retirement from MotoGP after the end of the 2021 season. From 2022 onwards, the starting grid will be missing the legendary number 46, but the whole sporting world will remember the Doctor’s passion for racing, his unrivalled charisma and astounding achievements, which made him - arguably - the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time). The 42-year-old Italian has been active for the longest in Grand Prix racing, he made his debut in 1996 and 2021 was his 26th season. Akrapovič is proud that Valentino Rossi raced with Ivančna Gorica exhausts.

Race to the Clouds with Bentley The Akrapovič-equipped Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak proved to be the fastest racecar using renewable fuel at the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, finishing second in the Time Attack 1 and an excellent fourth overall. Snow and ice near the summit meant that the finish line had to be repositioned lower down to Devil’s Playground (3,895 metres), cutting out the last third of the normal course, which made Bentley’s Time Attack recordbreaking ambitions impossible to realise. The Continental GT3 Pikes Peak set a blistering pace over the first two sectors, entering the third and final sector twelve seconds ahead of its nearest rival.

9

81.2 percent of the vote Akrapovič won the hearts and minds of renowned PS magazine readers for the 14th year running, winning best brand in the motorcycle exhausts category. 12,108 readers of the magazine took part in the 2021 vote, netting Akrapovič an overwhelming victory with 81.2% of the vote.

Dozen sport auto awards Readers of the acclaimed German sport auto magazine were once again given the chance to vote for their favourite brands and chose Akrapovič as the best car exhausts brand for the 12th year in a row.

The latest survey saw 15,522 individual answers, with 66.7 percent deciding for Akrapovič.

Nobody else with #222 Infront Motor Racing, a FIM Motocross World Championship promoter, announced it will ‘retire’ number 222, used by Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who decided to call it quits after the end of this year’s season. Cairoli began competing in Grand Prix racing in 2004 and won a total of nine world champion titles, with two coming in the MX2 category and seven in the MXGP/MX1 class. Alongside this, he has over 90 Grand Prix victories, which puts him among the top motocross riders of all times.

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Goodbye, BMW M6 GT3 This year’s DTM season, where Class 1 racecars were replaced by GT3 machines, was extremely interesting and quite successful for Marco Wittmann, despite finishing a place shy of the podium in the final standings. He collected a total of 171 points from the 16 races with his BMW M6 GT3, the model’s last season before being replaced with a BMW M4 GT3. The Walkenhorst Motorsport racing driver and Akrapovič brand ambassador won twice, was on the pole twice and stood on the podium five times. “I can be particularly pleased with fourth place overall in the championship. For me, the highs and the victories this season definitely outweigh anything else. The performances we gave this year were huge,” said the two-time DTM champion.

Record 17 and a title Fresh N’ Lean Attack Performance Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne won a record 17 races on his way to becoming MotoAmerica champion in the Superbike class in the 2021 season.

Jake and his Yamaha R1 had already built an unassailable lead in the 2021 MotoAmerica season before the final racing weekend.

06 / 11

Akrapovič News

Breath-taking achievements Slovenian freediver Alenka Artnik had an amazing 2021. She already showed how well prepared she was in the Bahamas in July, when she set a new world record in the monofin category with a 118m dive. But this was only the beginning, because she followed it up with a record 120-metre effort before going an incredible two metres deeper still, making Alenka the fifth person in history to go so deep. In October she set a world record in the double fin category by diving to a depth of 106 metres and also brought back two gold medals from the world championship. “This year’s season was my best so far. Previously I couldn’t imagine being able to achieve such results so quickly and in one season only. I became a world record holder and a world champion.

An absolutely dreamlike season,” Alenka summed up a truly amazing year. Her results leave many breathless. On land.

Photo: Federico Buzzoni

Photo: Florian Burghardt

Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree McAMS Yamaha rider Tarran Mackenzie put in a stellar performance during the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike Championship finale at Brands Hatch and secured the Superbike title, while the McAMS Yamaha, thanks to a successful 2021 season by teammate Jason O’Halloran, who shared a total of 21 victories with Mackenzie, won the team’s and manufacturer’s championship titles. Tarran celebrated the title in the company of father Niall, the BSB series champion in 1996, 1997 and 1998, who also rode to his success on a Yamaha equipped with an Akrapovič exhaust system. The photograph taken of the 1996 and 2021 season champions was just what the doctor ordered in the year when Akrapovič celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Photo: McAMS Yamaha/Impact Images

Technology

AKRAPOVIČ SLIP-ON LINE (TITANIUM) EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR BMW M3 AND M4

E V E RG R E E N

by Saša Kapetanovič photography Bor Dobrin, Akrapovič

12 / 17 Technology

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IT’S NOT E ASY TO CRE ATE A TIMELESS SOUNDTR ACK THAT WILL REMAIN INSPIRING AT ALL TIMES. ONE WAY IS TO USE THE INSPIR ATION OF THE MOMENT, BUT ANOTHER, MORE DEPENDABLE ONE, IS TO EMPLOY A WELL-TUNED BAND AND AN E XPERIENCED PRODUC TION CRE W. AKR APOVIČ IS BANKING ON THE SECOND ME THOD.

ACHIEVING MA XIMUM PERFORMANCE IN ALL ARE AS

A model that earns the status of an icon in

Simon Vipavec and Peter Košir, who form

the automotive world must have left a deep

the core of the team and whose expertise

impression on the market. This could be

was supplemented by that of CAD designer

due to its exhilarating design, exceptional

Matija Zajec, project technologist Peter

The team really gets going when I ask them

sales successes, winning races, or setting

Del Fabro and industrial designer Ermin

about the challenges they faced. They agree

technological milestones… Just one of these

Kosovel. Design actually played a key role

that the biggest one was to achieve maximum

could make a car timeless, but what would

in the project, as Akrapovič - apart from

performance in all areas, while keeping the

you say if there existed a model whose

always aiming to create a family of products

Slip-On Line (Titanium) system in line with

portfolio ticks all of the above-mentioned

with recognisable visuals - also wanted to

ECE type-approval requirements. During

boxes? Whenever a new generation of

show a bit of its daring design prowess.

development, the main guiding principle was

BMW’s M3 and M4 arrives, everybody in

This is where the idea was born to produce

that buyers of such vehicles want variety. The

the industry takes notice and watches the

extravagant and different tailpipes to

car must remain comfortable for everyday

unveiling with great interest. Akrapovič does

somehow complement the design direction

usage, the sound must stay unobtrusive while

as well, with the Slovenian exhaust artisans

BMW was taking with the new model. The

its volume and pitch have to harmoniously

eagerly awaiting their next challenge - to

lightweight titanium tailpipes with their

match the engine revs. “Anyone can make

create the best aftermarket exhaust system for

carbon-fibre outer sleeve thus come with a

a loud exhaust, but a system with a lot of

the new generation of BMW’s iconic car.

new, attractive octagonal finish, and can be

functionality and sound range is a challenge

But how to tackle such a project? Where to

emphasised even more with a hand-crafted

to create,” is how NHV expert Simon Vipavec

start? Who are the experienced producers

carbon-fibre diffuser, an item of special

summed up the task.

who will master the soundtrack of the twin-

pride for the design experts at Akrapovič.

With the thought firmly implanted, the team

turbo inline-six inside the new M3 and M4?

The team also did not forget about more

tackled this challenge at its roots. The

When I asked that question at Akrapovič

traditionally-minded customers, because

headquarters, the development team,

the company also offers classically shaped

each with their own laptop, jumped at the

tailpipes, made from the same materials.

opportunity, actually showing a lot more enthusiasm than when being photographed by Bor’s camera. I was thus in short order joined

by Head of Automotive Exhaust Development Matej Bulc, Project Manager Jure Majc, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) masters

12 / 17 Technology

process starts by Akrapovič evaluating each car and its serial exhaust system in order to obtain a clear picture of how the

SMALL BUT POWERFUL ELEC TRONIC BR AIN

vehicle sounds and behaves, and how an

Itching for more details? I was, and at this point

Akrapovič exhaust can change its character

in the conversation I simply leaned back and

and make it even more special. It is also

let the team take it away. For example, did you

status of an icon in

important to maintain the engine’s specific

know that Akrapovič engineers always make an

the automotive world

sound, as Akrapovič’s exhausts in no way

effort to let the exhaust’s sound tell the driver

want to obliterate the original notes. The first

the last moment that they need to shift into

must have lef t a deep

challenge faced was the engine’s design

a higher gear? I didn’t and I was impressed

impression on the

and its sound properties. However, since the

by that. Serial exhausts usually do not have

team had already designed the aftermarket

an acoustic feedback signal just before the

market. This could be

exhausts for the previous generations of

engine hits its rev limiter, which is why even

M3 and M4, as well as met the S58 engine

a tiny detail like specific sound at high revs is

design, exceptional sales

during the BMW X3 M project, there were

important for Akrapovič. Or, did you know that

no major unknowns regarding where and

an exhaust system contains a lot more than

successes, winning races,

how to start. Having clearly outlined their

just mechanical parts? That the exhausts of

or setting technological

guidelines, the team set off designing and

today are gadgets in their own right? Akrapovič exhausts, including the ones for the new M3

milestones.

testing prototypes. They created the sound by shaping the exhaust pressure waves while

and M4, contain small electronic brains – the

emphasising additional effects such as the

Control Kit – which are complemented by the

bang of unburned fuel in the exhaust system.

exhaust and include electronic valve control.

However, what I was able to write in a single

This important element enriches the driving

sentence actually describes several months

experience by letting the smart device use

of efforts for the team, which produced a total

data provided by the central computer to

of seven different concepts and changed

optimise and adjust the openness of the valves

numerous details on the way before creating a

to match the driving style. If I may illustrate:

final prototype that met their expectations and

the traditional notion is that the sound is best

was confirmed for serial production.

when the car’s drive mode is switched to sports and exhaust valves completely open.

Akrapovič engineers assured me that many more factors are important for providing

A model that earns the

due to its exhilarating

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ingenious solutions, but we were beginning

perfect melody, goosebumps appear and

to be pressed by time so we had to move

heads begin to nod in agreement. Lastly, it

on to the final topic. Who on the team gives

is important that other employees also drive

the completed concept the final ‘blessing’?

the car during the testing phase, as they

Who is the one with the best ears? After

may detect deviations. In the case of the

a few exchanged glances, I received a

BMW M3 and M4, this important appraisal

thoughtful answer that both subjective

was also conducted by a man with an

assessment and accurate measurements are

unquestionable ability to recognise the true

important. For the latter, they mostly rely on

acoustic feedback of sports cars – two-time

the spectrogram, which is, simply put, the

DTM series champion and Akrapovič brand

exhaust system’s fingerprint. The team uses

ambassador Marco Wittmann. The team

it to evaluate pressure pulses and multiples

also prepared upgrades for the Slip-On Line

of the engine’s basic frequencies to obtain

(Titanium) system, which include components

the image of the sound. The ultimate goal is

such as the link pipes and the downpipes

to enhance these harmonic multiples so that

for even greater tuning potential and usage

the driver can enjoy as wide a range of tunes

exclusively on racetracks.

as possible. Peter Košir suitably likened the

Buyers deciding on purchasing an Akrapovič

process to strumming a chord on a guitar. But

exhaust system can also be influenced

despite the high-quality precision equipment

by the numbers: when tested on the

the company uses, it is still very important

company’s in-house dynamometer, the

to get a subjective assessment, because, in

BMW M4 Competition, equipped with the

the end, ears are the most reliable measuring

Slip-On Line (Titanium) system, gained

tools. Some team members might have

8kW (10.9hp) at 6,000rpm in comparison

slightly different preferences or different

with the standard exhaust and boasted

I would have been more than happy to just

driving styles, but they say they are entirely

13.9Nm more torque at 5,000rpm. The

sit and listen to these, and numerous other

in tune as a whole, and when they hit on that

exhaust system is constructed of lightweight

the best experience. They have therefore developed a system that analyses such factors independently and, based on the received data (engine revs, speed, selected gear, position of the accelerator pedal…), adjusts how much the valves are open at any given moment to produce optimal sound, regardless of the selected drive mode. One more thing: looking at the exhaust under the car, I noticed that each set of tailpipes is connected to the exhaust with one tailpipe only; the other looks like it is floating even though it is mechanically attached to the other tailpipe from the same set. The team quickly assured me that this was not done in error, but for a specific purpose, namely as one of the ways to correctly direct the sound into the cabin. The main idea is not to exceed homologation volume, of course, but to deliberately direct some of the sound energy towards the interior by using the arrangement at the end of the two tailpipes.

E ARS ARE THE MOST RELIABLE ME ASURING TOOLS

12 / 17 Technology

During development, the main guiding principle was t ha t bu ye r s of such ve hicles wan t varie t y. T he c ar must remain comfor table for ever yday usage, the sound must stay unobtrusive while its volume and pitch harmoniously match the engine revs.

titanium, including complex cast parts made at Akrapovič’s in-house foundry, so it weighs just over 15 kilograms, 35% less than the stock exhaust and it also fully meets the requirements of ECE type approval.

As for me, having talked to the project team in charge of the exhaust system on the M3 and M4, I was thoroughly convinced by their enthusiasm, professionalism, desire to create, the need to achieve perfection and the immense and unshakable belief that they bring something extra to the product.

Something that could make it an evergreen.

// Si Izpušni sistem Akrapovič Slip-On Line (Titanium) za BMW M3 in M4 Težko je ustvariti zvočni zapis, ki bo večen in v vsakem trenutku navdihujoč. Ena pot je na podlagi trenutnega navdiha, druga, zanesljivejša, pa z dobro uigranim orkestrom in izkušeno produkcijsko skupino. Na drugo metodo stavijo tudi pri Akrapoviču. Če ima v avtomobilskem svetu neki model status ikone, pomeni, da je s svojo prisotnostjo na trgu pustil globok pečat. Morda je navdušil z obliko, dosegel izjemne prodajne uspehe, prispeval k osvojitvi dirke, postavil tehnološke mejnike … Že nekaj od tega lahko avtu prinese status brezčasnosti. Kaj šele, če se pojavi avto, ki ima v svojem portfelju pri vseh teh dejavnikih zelene kljukice! Zato je povsem pričakovano, da prihod vsake nove generacije BMW-jevih modelov M3 in M4, avtomobilska industrija spremlja z velikim zanimanjem. Tudi v podjetju Akrapovič, kjer so nestrpno čakali na nov izziv – ustvariti svoj najboljši izpušni sistem za novo generacijo BMW-jeve ikone. Nastal je še en “evergreen”.

Story

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Story

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IN THE ARENA

PUSHING THE LIMITS

A quarry near to Rellinars, the birthplace of Pol Tarrés, basks in a

Like every rebel with a cause, Pol chose to walk his own path.

golden light, kissed by the late afternoon sun. Majestic marble stacks

It’s not an easy road, but history has been made by those who

placed in a semicircle create an arena around a huge rock, almost

have taken it. His father Francesc competed in Trial and so did

an altar for Pol Tarrés, the 28-year-old who was born with too much

his uncle Jordi Tarrés, a seven-time Trial World Champion; the

character, too much vision, and too much physical strength to be

discipline has now been dominated for many years by Pol’s

moulded by the rules of motorcycle-racing disciplines, organisations

good friend Toni Bou. Pol successfully towed the family line

and federations. Apart from rebelling against outdated rules and

until 2016 when he quit out of protest against federation rules,

systems, Pol’s favourite thing is to bend the laws of gravity.

venturing into extreme Enduro and SuperEnduro to seek greater challenges. He got straight in the top-ten as a rookie but,

He steps off his Yamaha Ténéré 700, and builds a ramp using two

restless and hungry, started going after even more. He starred in

rocks. He scans the surroundings, calculating the distance, height,

a short movie Hebo Dominicana and co-founded a new team, the

depth, speed, inertia and momentum. Perfectly present in the moment,

Trece Racing Society.

he starts the bike, is on the ramp in a few heartbeats and lifts from the ground in a poetry of fluid motion. The bike effortlessly sails over the

As the Dominicana dust settled, Pol became restless again.

big rock before landing as smoothly and safely as can be.

It was last year during the lockdown when the ideas, born in

by Tina Torelli photography Brazo de Hierro, Javier Echevarria

P o l Ta r r é s

RIDER FROM THE FUTURE This is a story about bending and breaking all types of laws. It‘s a story about a rider from the future, an old school warrior who lives by his own rules.

his garage while lifting weights and listening to old rock, really

world of BMX as faithfully as possible into the world of adventure

started to flow. He finally settled on taking an adventure bike

riding. My specialty or what I would call the Tarres style is that

where only goats dare to thread. He reached out to Yamaha,

it all ends up looking like a walk in the park. BMX riders are said

they agreed and a package soon arrived in Catalonia: a standard

to have a flow. They seem to be dancing on the bicycle. I dance

Yamaha Ténéré 700. Suspension master Eric Augè prepared

with a 200-kilogram motorcycle. And when Kriss Kyle sends you

the forks for a more stunt-proof ride, the guys put on Mitas soft

a message saying that what you’re doing is brutal, you get some

tires and removed some make-up and that was it. Pol was exactly

real satisfaction. It’s like winning the championship! For me, this

where he loved to be and where he was at his best - far out of

is as much a sport as an art. Artists see a work of art even before

his comfort zone, in his beloved Pyrenees, first blurring and then

they create it. They see a sculpture in a piece of stone the same

erasing the boundaries separating Enduro, Trial and Adventure.

way I see a jump in a rock.” People seem to think you practice

Many new bikes (and riders) soon appeared in the little village of

your moves countless times. “Ha, if this were true, I would be

Rellinars and the rest is history.

long gone. You physically try it once, at most twice, and then you do the rest of the work here.” [knocks on forehead]

“People are getting inspired by the beauty of our movies, I know, but the things I do here are on the limit. I want to transpose the

FROM BRONZE TO SILVER - WHAT’S NEXT FOR POL? Following another mini film, The Seeker, the chase for the impossible continued in the Carpathian Mountains. Pol became the first rider in history to finish Red Bull Romaniacs, the world’s toughest hard enduro event, with an adventure bike…in the bronze class! Anyone who knows the 600km long race through the forests, rocky slopes and rivers of mud will know what a titanic achievement this is and what bronze really means for Romaniacs. Pol went all-in and wrote a brand-new chapter in the history of motorcycle racing. “People took an interest in my attempt, followed me and supported me as if I was fighting for victory at the Dakar.

The accompanying feelings are impossible to describe. But the crucial bit is that I believed, the team believed, and the joy at the finish line was immense. It was epic!” So, what’s next? “Silver class, of course!”

MASTERING THE MENTAL GAME But even before that, Pol intends to finish the highly anticipated sequel to The Seeker (This story was written before The Seeker 2 was finished but now it is out and available on YouTube). “I put all of myself into this project. People liked it when I put in 70 percent, but this time I’m giving them the whole 100 without fear that there would be nothing left for the next time. I am aware that I will also be criticised by many. They will say that I’m setting a bad example, I am playing with life. True, but the life I’m playing with is mine.” The film features scenes shot by camera operators with their eyes shut. “I have complete faith in myself. Before I venture into the unknown, I calm down to feel if the path is free or not. I respect my adversaries: the rocks, the dams, the rivers. When you feel respect, you are there. When you’re scared, you simply aren’t. I keep telling myself ‘The day I get scared, I will change jobs.’” And go work in a bank? “I take it back. I feel like the wealthiest person on earth on a motorcycle.”

AND THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE?

most others don’t or can’t. When I was, let’s say going with the flow, I trained a lot and achieved decent results. But the world really opened up when I went my own way. I train a lot more today because I have a brutal passion for what I do. It requires a lot of training but even more of that something you have or simply don’t. I can say in all modesty that I have a special gift. Because technique

“To blaze your own trail.” Is number 13 part

is not all that takes your breath away. Only by

of this attitude to life? “In part. Number one

controlling your thoughts and emotions can

represents my world title and number three

you do amazing things. The only way to get

the three second places. But I also like it

rid of fear is to regularly do things that are at

because nobody else wants it. I go where

least a little scary.”

Apart from rebelling against outdated rules and systems, Pol’s favourite thing is to bend the laws of gravity.

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Story

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“BMX riders are said to have a flow. They seem to be dancing on the bicycle. Well, I dance with a 200-kilogram motorcycle.”

The Seeker 2 is out and Pol Tarrés available on YouTube.

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Technology

Technology

by Karin Sturm

Superbike vs. Endurance

TOP CATEGORIES DIFFERENT EMPHASIS Completely different at first glance, yet also sharing many similarities: The Superbike World Championship (FIM WorldSBK) and the Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) are both playgrounds at the highest level for top motorcycle racing riders and manufacturers, and Markus Reiterberger knows both series well. The 27- year - old has already won three superbike titles in the International German Championship (IDM), and also finished top in the 10 0 0cc European Superstock Championship in 2018. Now, after a few difficult seasons in WorldSBK, the Bavarian found a new home in the Endurance World Championship. One in which he feels very comfortable and where he found success straight off the bat. Winning the 6 Hours of Most with Ilya Mikhalchik and Kenny Foray in October rewarded him and Werner Daemen‘s BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team with the runner - up spot in the world championship.

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photography BMW

He doesn’t want to rate the two categories as

mentally, right from the start: “The Endurance

He doesn’t see any major differences in

better or worse though. “They are simply two

World Championship is primarily a team

terms of required physical preparation and

different series, albeit both representing a big

sport. We are three riders, we have a big

fitness training either. “I always say that

challenge for the rider. Both use bikes based

team behind us, which means that the full

the best way to training is to get on a bike

on road-going models, so one can compete

weight doesn’t lie on the rider. Every single

and ride as much as possible. Of course,

with motorcycles originally built for everyday

mechanic or engineer is just as involved in

endurance races require a bit more stamina,

riding, though they do, of course, undergo

the success in the end. In superbike, after

but because we ride so much, including a

some changes and modifications.”

everything has been set up, the end result

lot of testing, that almost comes naturally.

ultimately rests on the rider’s shoulders.”

In any case, fitness training can only lay the foundations, give one some basic stamina,

The biggest difference is that the World Superbike Championship is a pure full-

Both worlds have their appeal

a bit of strength - each rider does that

throttle event with a race duration of less

Reiterberger sees the appeal in both

individually. But in my opinion, the crucial

than one hour, while the Endurance World

categories. “Of course, it’s the desire of

thing happens on the track.”

Championship lasts a minimum of six and

every rider to become a world champion one

a maximum of twenty-four hours. For the

day. But I’m also very happy to have found

Learning from each other

riders, this means a different approach, also

myself in a large and strong Endurance World

When in FIM EWC three riders share one

Championship team and one that is very well

racing bike, the decisive factor is how well

positioned to boot,” he adds.

all three of them are able to manage it. “We have the good fortune that all three of us fit the bike very well, that there are no major differences in our height and weight. We also mostly share the ways we want the bike to be set up. Of course, one has to be ready to make compromises now and then - after all, it’s no use if one rider is extremely fast but

BMW M 1000 RR, FIM EWC 2021

“Fortunately, endurance racing has qualifying sessions, where one can go absolutely flat out. As at superbike races, it all boils down to the rider; you can and must give it all. Doing the perfect lap, knowing you’ve gotten out the absolute maximum, that gives you a lot, it’s a special feeling, a chance to show your full potential as a rider.”

Markus Reiterberger BMW M 1000 RR, FIM WorldSBK 2021

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Technology

his teammates are slow. That’s why it’s also

him as well, it could happen to anyone. You

important to get along well, because in the

have to put yourself in the position of the

end you can only win as a team.” This is the

person who made the mistake - usually they

reason why all the data is shared and the

feel even worse than the others. You have

riders try to learn from each other - whereas

to motivate and build each other up again -

in the Superbike World Championship

and just keep going.”

everyone is usually alone, even among teammates. “If one teammate in FIM EWC is

Fast but gentle on the material

a bit worse off, it’s usually possible to build

The notion that Endurance World

him up and solve the problem together. We’re

Championship racing is much slower

lucky to have three top riders and a very good

than superbike racing and that

substitute rider. If we do hit a rough patch, we sit down together and analyse what we can improve and where.”

A particular challenge in team sports is to cope when one of the teammates makes a mistake that puts the whole team behind or even completely out of contention.

“That’s a tough one, we’ve already had that situation a few times. At first you’re naturally disappointed when something like that happens, but everyone must be aware that the same thing could happen to

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22 / 27

Technology

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Michael van der Mark is racing for BMW Motorrad in WorldSBK, with Markus Reiterberger focusing on EWC.

Photo: Graeme Brown

the risk of crashing is therefore lower is,

are therefore constantly practiced, both at

Endurance racing therefore also includes a

incidentally, a misconception. “We may be

home in the factory and on the racetrack.

taste of superbike, which might be a reason

a bit slower, but we are now operating at

Depending on the circuit, there are 22 to 26

that Reiterberger feels a bit more at home

such a high level that we are also almost

regular stops in a 24-hour race, so gaining a

in the Endurance World Championship.

constantly riding at the absolute limits,” said

few seconds at every one of them can easily

Obviously, having had a few difficult

Reiterberger. Which also makes the races

mean the difference between winning the

seasons in WorldSBK left its mark with

increasingly a battle of attrition for both

race and finishing below the top step of the

part of the reason for those also being

men and machines due to the high level of

podium. Technology also helps here, with

a new bike. “Somehow I may have never

stress on the material. Riders also face the

quick-change systems making it possible

been in the right place at the right time.”

additional challenge of not only having to be

to replace the front and rear wheels within

Of course, he hasn’t completely written

fast, but also gentle on the bikes in order to

six to eight seconds. But, of course, the

superbike off yet. “I’m leaving all my options

avoid technical problems. “Our engines have

teamwork of the entire pit crew has to be

open. At the moment, my focus is clearly on

a bit less power than those in superbike and

perfect as well.

the Endurance World Championship and

are designed more for durability. It’s a similar

I’m still racing in national championships

story with the chassis, the add-on parts, the

Despite the team concept, there is still a part

on the side as well as riding on the roads

tyres - the main thing is that everything is

of the race weekend where a rider can prove

as a Dunlop tester, so I’m not losing my

designed for endurance.”

his own worth. “Fortunately, endurance racing

‘sprinting’ ability and continue to improve

has qualifying sessions, where one can go

there as well. Maybe an opportunity will

It’s important to stress that these add-on

absolutely flat out. As at superbike races, it

arise again and I want to be ready if it

parts should be able to be replaced as

all boils down to the rider; you can and must

does.”

quickly as possible in the event of damage,

give it your all. Doing the perfect lap, knowing

for example due to a crash, so that precious

you’ve gotten out the absolute maximum, that

seconds are not lost during a pit stop. Pit

gives you a lot, it’s a special feeling, a chance

stops are a crucial factor in general and

to show your full potential as a rider.”

2018 European Superstock Champion

The biggest difference: the Superbike World Championship is a pure full-throttle event with a race duration of less than one hour, while the Endurance World Championship lasts a minimum of six and a maximum of twenty-four hours.

2021 FIM EWC Vice-Champions

// Si

// Najvišja raven z različnimi poudarki Čeprav je svetovno prvenstvo v razredu Superbike na prvi pogled popolnoma drugačno od svetovnega prvenstva v vzdržljivostnih dirkah, sta obe tekmovanji velik izziv za dirkače in proizvajalce. Markus Reiterberger pozna oba svetova: 27-letni dirkač je v Mednarodnem nemškem prvenstvu (IDM) osvojil že tri naslove v razredu Superbike in leta 2018 zmagal v evropskem prvenstvu v 1000-kubičnem razredu Superstock. Po nekaj težkih letih v svetovnem prvenstvu v razredu Superbike se je Bavarec dobro znašel v svetovnem prvenstvu v vzdržljivostnih dirkah. V tem svetu se počuti domače – in je tudi zelo uspešen. Zmaga na oktobrski šesturni dirki v Mostu je njemu in ekipi BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team prinesla naslov svetovnega podprvaka. »Svetovno prvenstvo v vzdržljivostnih dirkah je predvsem ekipni šport. Smo trije dirkači, za seboj imamo veliko ekipo, kar pomeni, da vse ne sloni le na dirkačih. Vsak mehanik ali inženir je prav tako vključen v uspeh. Ko je na svetovnem prvenstvu v Superbiku vse pripravljeno, dirkač odloča o vsem,« pravi Reiterberger.

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Evolut ion

Evolution

by Primož Jurman photography Marc Robinot

Exhaust Systems in MotoGP

MORE TH A N JUST A PIPE

Ever since the creation of the internal combustion engine, the exhaust system has been seen as its extension, a vent that removes excess engine gases via a set of pipes.

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The first use of such exhaust valves in the modern era of 4-stroke engine racing motorcycles dates back to 2010 when Aprilia brought an evolution of the 2009 RSV4, sporting an Akrapovič exhaust, onto the WorldSBK stage.

2021 Aprilia RS-GP

Unburned fuel in the shape of exhaust gases

the WorldSBK stage. Later, around 2014,

needs to be discharged from the engine.

Ducati introduced the exhaust valve to

These gases are squeezed out of the cylinder

its Desmosedici, fitting it to a system co-

and through the exhaust valves, travelling to

developed with Akrapovič. Using the exhaust

the manifold and are then, partially cooled,

that was split per cylinder bank, the valve was

vented into the air via various exhaust design

installed on only one branch and thus active on

configurations. With MotoGP motorcycles

one bank. This enabled engineers to fine-tune

becoming increasingly evenly matched and

the effect of the valve in combination with

technically more demanding, engineers keep

other engine strategies. This technology was

looking for and assessing all the ways and

then implemented by most other manufacturers

possibilities to make them even better; one

to offer their riders a wider range of adjusting

of these is improving the performance of the

various parameters. These valves must endure

exhaust. It was believed that a racing exhaust

temperatures of over 900°C and pressures of

system’s function was no different to that of

over 5 bar, while the force on the valve flap can

its road counterparts – to help the engine

exceed 50kg at its highest load.

to ‘breathe’, provide the smoothest possible flow of gasses from the engine and affect its

Another part of the exhaust that uses similar

maximum power, power delivery and torque.

technologies as the exhaust valve are the

However, exhaust systems today not only aid

exhaust manifolds, which are cast from

acceleration, but also braking. Engineers can

titanium. Made from proprietary Akrapovič

now set up the engine’s exhaust valves as an

titanium alloy, the role of the manifold is

additional flow retardation device in order to

to route the extremely hot gases from the

increase negative engine torque at closed

engine head exhaust port into the exhaust

throttle, thereby helping to reduce the speed

itself. Much of the research is spent on

of the rear wheel and thus increase braking

ensuring a perfect blend with the port and its

performance of the bikes.

complex geometry and shape to prevent any disturbance in the flow of gases as they enter

These valves must endure temperatures of over 900°C and pressures over 5 bar,

the manifold, as this could lead to a loss of power. Complex pipe geometry must follow the tightly prescribed space made available by motorcycle manufacturers. All this comes

while the force on the valve

together in the form of a metal sculpture,

flap can exceed 50kg at its

but one with important functional and

highest load.

performance aspects. 2021 MotoGP factory teams using Akrapovič exhausts

The first use of such exhaust valves in

that employ various technical solutions

the modern era of 4-stroke engine racing

include Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Ducati

motorcycles dates back to 2010 when

Lenovo Team, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing,

Aprilia brought an evolution of the 2009

Team Suzuki Ecstar and Monster Energy

RSV4, sporting an Akrapovič exhaust, onto

Yamaha MotoGP.

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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.

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Yamaha Tracer 9 / GT +1.5kW (+2hp) at 10,000rpm

Vespa GTS Super 300 +0.6kW (+0.8hp) at 7,400rpm

Yamaha YZF-R6 +5.6kW (+7.6hp) at 12,900rpm -5.4kg (-52.5%)

Suzuki GSX-S1000 / 950F +1.9kW (+2.6hp) at 10,250rpm -1kg (-41.6%)

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR +8.2kW (+11.1hp) at 8,550rpm -6.6kg (-56.4%)

Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa +6.5kW (+8.8hp) at 9,900rpm -14kg (-68.2%)

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 for cars, where only the best materials and exclusive titanium alloys are used. These materials are combined with high technology and exquisite craftsmanship of Akrapovič welders to create a package that separates them from everything else on the market.

Toyota GR Yaris +9.5kW (+12.9hp) at 6,950rpm, +13Nm at 6,950rpm -4.7kg (-37.4%), Titanium

Audi S3 Sportback/Sedan (8Y) +4kW (+5.4hp) at 4,350rpm, +8.8Nm at 3,900rpm -8.9 kg (-42.5%), Titanium

BMW M3 (G80)/M4 (G82) +8kW (+10.9hp) at 6,000rpm, +13.9Nm at 5,000rpm -8.3kg (-35%), Titanium, Rear Carbon Fiber Diffuser – High Gloss

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Porsche 911 Turbo/Turbo S (992) +16.6kW (+22.6hp) at 3,400rpm, +46.8Nm at 3,400rpm -9kg (-60.5%), Titanium

32 / 37

Inte r v iew

by Jean Turner

Interview

photography Adam Campbell, Marcin Kin / KTM Images

Toby Price – two-time Dakar Rally and FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion

FINDING the way Our eyes were trained on the road

heading into Doffo Winery as we anticipated the arrival of the

two-time Dakar Rally champion. I’m

not sure what we were waiting for,

perhaps a sparkling Red Bull KTM

Factory Racing motorcade worthy of

heralding Toby Price.

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“We’re here and getting set up,” I texted him.

I was kinda hoping/expecting it’d be the

mind, tough on the body, tough on equipment

“I’m here also, just inside,” came the

same when I first went to seniors, but it just

and tough on crews. It’s one of those races

response. I glanced across the driveway to

didn’t happen. I guess I kinda put too much

that’s designed to break man and machine.

the patio and saw a figure perched on a stool

pressure on myself and wanted to be at the

in the far corner, the silhouette of scraggly

top as quickly as possible. Coming out being

hair tufting out from under a flat bill hat.

a 16-year-old kid against 25-year-old guys

I rushed over to greet him, dumbfounded that

that have been doing it for years, I probably

our champion had been patiently waiting the

rushed the process a little bit. I started

whole time we had been scouting out photo

having a lot of injuries and lot of things going

locations on the property.

wrong. It leaves you a little confused as to

“No dramas!” Toby said. He hopped up and

how to fix those problems while not realising

greeted me with a smile and a hug as though

that there were underlying big issues and

we were old friends.

problems – that was the toughest part as a

I had intended to dive deep into the mindset

young kid. It was tough.

of this Australian country kid who followed a path that led him from his humble outback origins to world championship stardom. To hear about how rally racing found him, about 2013, the year that tragedy and opportunity reshaped his career, and how travelling the world has changed his outlook on life.

But halfway into our sit-down, the notes I spent so much time preparing sat forgotten

So off-road racing was never

desert race. It seems that was

a very challenging time; did it give you any pause in pursuing rally racing?

Nah, not really. I guess in some way it gave me a bit more of a drive to get into the rally scene.

thought I’d be racing enduro and now rally,

that was the plan, to hopefully chase what he

but I really enjoy it.

was doing. He was such a role model for kids,

It seems rally racing kind of

losing bets with his Dakar Rally teammates.

It was certainly with the help of Kurt Caselli

I could hardly control my own laughter, let

and being able to get my name in the ring.

alone the direction of the conversation. I

But I seemed to be able to gel with it quite

suspect this is not the first time a journalist

quickly. My first rally event in Morocco in

who planned to cut to the core of Toby Price

2014 was basically a trial to see how I felt,

found themselves disarmed by his self-

whether it was something I liked doing. And

deprecating Aussie charm.

yeah, it was not only a race, but an adventure.

“Gotta have a bit of fun along the way,” he

One day’s extremely good and the next day

quipped. “Can’t take life too seriously.”

is going to maybe kick you in the backside.

is where it all kicked off. I was quite dominant

broke your neck in an American

kind of events and Baja races and the Dakar –

Ah, for sure. I think, in a way, it definitely did.

motocross/supercross champion. Motocross

there. That was also the year you

Sometimes no plan’s a good plan. I never

towards tales of his notorious mullet and

It was always the goal and dream to be a

Baja 1000 in 2013 while you were

Once I saw Kurt was going that direction, it

came and found you.

racing career.

of course, tragically died at the

really part of the plan?

on the table, the topic instead meandering

Tell me about your early

You mentioned Kurt Caselli, who,

That’s, I guess, the intriguing part that keeps drawing you back. In 2015 I lined up for

was going to be cool to be doing the same

and even for the guys he was racing against.

Kurt really was a driving force to help me not only get into Baja racing, but also get my name in the ring for the Dakar. Yeah, that was a hard one to take, to lose that guy. It just didn’t seem like it was a possibility, just felt like a real nasty out-of-control dream, and you wake up the next day and realise that it wasn’t a dream. A wild time, that’s for sure.

It was one of those things that definitely gave me more drive to prove myself, that I was capable of doing rally events. Kurt let the team there know that I was one to keep an eye on to do the Dakar. So that was a driving force to make it happen.

the Dakar; I definitely didn’t know what I had signed myself up for. It was one of the toughest and most gruelling events that I’d ever been through in my life. It’s tough on the

throughout my junior career and then yeah,

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Interview

I have to ask about the haircut.

Tell us the story behind it.

That started out as the weirdest, craziest joke between me and my teammate Sam Sunderland. Yeah, the haircut basically started from him making a bet saying that I wouldn’t get a mullet, and he said, “I’ll pay for the cut if you get a mullet.” I said, “Sweet. Done deal.” So we found a picture on Google images. We’re in Spain in Barcelona at the time, so we couldn’t get the translation across well enough by saying “a mullet,” so we showed him a picture of a dude with a mullet and just said, “Same.”

Next thing, he replicated it perfectly [laughs] and it all kinda started. It was only supposed to be on there for about a week and I could have shaved it off and just got a normal haircut. But I don’t know, everyone just laughed at it and it cracked them up. So I thought, “Yeah, I’ll just run it for a little bit longer.” It’s now probably… we’re going on five years. Five years I’ve had it now! It’s the longest-ever relationship I’ve held, so we’re doing quite well! [laughs]

“2017 didn’t go too well.

I broke a femur. And that

was the end of the run. But it is what it is. We gotta

take the good with the bad and the bad with the good.

How it kinda rolls.”

32 / 37

Interview

// Si

// Toby Price, dvakratni zmagovalec na reliju Dakar med motociklisti Toby Price, 34-letni avstralski motociklist, se od leta 2004 poklicno ukvarja z dirkanjem. Od leta 2015 tekmuje v ekipi Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, s katero je v letih 2016 in 2019 zmagal na reliju Dakar med motociklisti. Novinarka Jean Turner se je z Avstralcem srečala v vinariji Doffo v dolini Temecula v Kaliforniji. Med pogovorom se je nameravala poglobiti v misli mladeniča iz avstralskega zaledja, ki je prehodil pot od skromnih začetkov do zvezdnika. Želela je izvedeti, kako je pristal v reliju, kako je leto 2013, v katerem je doživel tragedijo, spremenilo njegovo kariero in kako so potovanja po svetu spremenila njegov odnos do življenja.

Toda na polovici pogovora so zapiski, za katere je porabila veliko časa, obležali na mizi in tema pogovora je vijugala med zgodbami o njegovi razvpiti pričeski »Vokuhila« in izgubljeni stavi z moštvenimi kolegi na reliju Dakar. Jean je s težavo krotila smeh in bila daleč od tega, da bi nadzorovala potek pogovora. Zdi se ji, da gotovo ni bila prva novinarka, ki jo je razorožil dirkačev avstralski šarm, poln samoironije. »Pri vsem dogajanju se moraš tudi malo zabavati,« se je pošalil Toby. »Življenja ne smeš jemati preveč resno.«

And then, of course, you

returned in 2016 and won the

whole thing! I read one of the

interviews you did after that and you said, “I can’t be clear on how or why it’s happened.”

Is that something you think

about – the why behind things?

Um… yeah. Sometimes. All things happen for a reason, somehow. You definitely sit there and question yourself and whatever happens in the world – why did it happen,

“In 2015 I lined up for the

but I don’t know. You just gotta make that assumption that there’s a plan ahead and

Dakar; I definitely didn’t

things happen for a reason. You’re in these

know what I had signed

dangerous elements every single minute after throwing a leg over that motorcycle,

myself up for. It was one

but if your mind’s not on the job of what

of the toughest and most

you’re doing at that time, it definitely can be a different outcome for you. You gotta try to put that behind you and not think about it too much and take each day as it comes and

Dakar Rally 2019

make each day count.

I’d ever been through in

my life. It’s tough on the

You had already established

mind, tough on the body,

yourself on the Australian

tough on equipment and

off-road scene, but winning

Dakar is a whole new level of

tough on crews.”

mainstream fame. What was that like for you?

My first Dakar in 2015, I finished third,

gruelling events that

Dakar Rally 2016

so I was on the podium there. For myself it was 100% unexpected. I knew I could ride a motorcycle but I didn’t know the fundamentals of that whole event and how it operates, so to pull that off, it definitely blew me away, and a lot of other people as well.

The 2016 season came around and I signed with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rally team and I came into that one going, “Gosh, I hope this first one in 2015 wasn’t a fluke.”

To just rock up the first time and get on the podium, it’s basically unheard of and I was like, “I wonder if this has all been a fluke and if I’m gonna do terrible in this next one.” But I knew I’d done the training and the riding, and I knew I could ride the motorcycle. It was just, you gotta have a lot of things go right for you in that space of time as well. It all came in 2016 when we won, yeah.

all the things I needed organised prior to

That was my goal and that was what I set

the event and just getting enough hydration

out to do and I did it, and I don’t expect any

and food. All the media stuff basically piles

less.” I’m just not that person.

on top of you and yeah, 2017 didn’t go too

I came from a town with a population of

well. I broke a femur and that was the end

1,000 people, and literally all the way

of the run. But it is what it is. We gotta take

through school my teachers would say,

the good with the bad and the bad with the

“Ah, motorcycles will never take you

good. How it kinda rolls.

anywhere.” To make that kind of all turn

It’s interesting to hear

someone of your calibre speak with such humility. Because there’s so many guys that

would say, “Hell yeah, I won.

That’s what I went there to do.”

It seems you have a much more

Then the way I approached the race

down-to-earth mentality.

completely changed. When I came back

[Laughs] Yeah, for sure. I’ve raced

in 2017, there was literally no break. There

motorcycles and won a lot of

was no rest. There were hundreds of people

championships, but it doesn’t make me any

and it was super exciting to see so many

different to a person that I walk past on the

fans and see how excited they were to see

street. Everyone’s always said I’m pretty

me, but yeah, I think that year put me off a

humble and down-to-earth on everything

little bit. Not in the preparation, but while

I’ve achieved, but I don’t know. I just don’t

I was there, I probably just wasn’t getting

see myself as that cocky person to go, “Yep.

around now, and basically since 16, 17 years of age, make it a job that keeps me alive and keeps me going, I’m very lucky to be doing what I’m doing. There’s no use being cocky and up yourself about it because it could all be taken away in the blink of an eyelid. So yeah. Live while you can and have fun while you’re doing it.

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F A N T A S T I C

by Alenka Birk

RED MOON Prada Luna Rossa Ocean, the new masculine fragrance from Prada, is built on the conviction that technology can serve as an extension of humanity, help us overcome our limitations and discover new horizons. Showing us how to do just that is Jake Gyllenhaal, the face of the new campaign. As the personification of a modern adventure seeker, the American actor combines physical and intellectual strength with mastery over technology and innovation, skilfully using both to improve himself and what he does. On board the Luna Rossa sailing yacht, Jake exceeds his own expectations and sails towards the ethereal red supermoon. The fragrance is marked by fernlike and leathery tones, while the bottle represents a dive into the ocean’s depths.

prada.com

38

S K E L E T O N WAT C H Look closely at the face of this special skeleton watch and marvel at the moving parts visible through its open dial. The Zenith Defy Classic draws inspiration from last century’s original Defy collection, while looking daringly towards the future. It is part of a new collection defined by its retro-futuristic faceted tonneau-shaped case, which presents the perfect housing for exceptionally manufactured movements. Available in steel, titanium, gold or ceramic, the integrated bracelets match the geometric form and the satin brushed and polished finishes of the sharp case.

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INSPIRED BY A LEGEND Motorsport has been at the core of Yamaha Motor Co. since its founding, and to commemorate six decades of Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, Yamaha Motor Europe and Cantieri Capelli unveiled a special rigid inflatable boat, inspired by the legendary Yamaha GP livery, at the prestigious Genova Boat Show. The boat is powered by a single 250hp V6 engine personalised with anniversary colours. The elegant, sleek and lightweight design of the new V6 engines presents the most feature-rich V6 range Yamaha has ever produced. Featuring Digital Electric Steering and Yamaha’s exclusive Total Tilt function, among others, the new range is complimented by stunning new looks inspired by Yamaha’s flagship XTO powerhouse.

yamaha-motor.eu

38 / 39

Fantastic

POPPED, NOT STIRRED! Ever wondered what to eat when watching your favourite Bond movie?

Wonder no more, as we present the first ever 007-inspired James Bond Dry Martini Popcorn. Enjoy 007’s iconic cocktail, only popped, not stirred, and with a license to thrill! The popcorn by Joe & Seph’s is hand coated in smooth caramel, seductively infused with five percent real gin and vodka and a twist of zesty lemon. Just perfect for watching Daniel Craig in his latest and final Bond outing, No Time to Die.

joeandsephs.co.uk

E L E VAT E D C L A S S I C 3 - S T R I P E S A sleek trench coat with a sophisticated, sporty edge from Adidas is the new must have! The Blue Version Trench Coat is made from archival fabrics that are recalibrated to the highest quality, and is one of the most sustainable coats the brand has ever put out. A bold take on the familiar silhouette, this trench coat fuses iconic tricot track top material with signature styles from the past to create two icons in one. On the back, graphics of a former Adidas-sponsored club can be found in a premium flock execution, a proud homage to its sporty roots. Elevated with classic 3-Stripes and micro trefoil branding in white, this one-of-a-kind coat was born to turn heads.

adidas.co.uk

39

BOOTS WITH STUDS Meet one special pair of shoes, made so you can do more while combining contemporary design with practicality. Made in Italy, Anti-Slip Outsole is an innovative advancement in footwear that allows you to tackle multiple different terrains and seasons with confidence. Its high-traction studs provide grip on slippery surfaces such as ice, snow, mud and any uphill terrain, are bolted securely to endure longevity and are naturally rust proof. When retracted, the studs are fully concealed and flush with the outsole. You can easily extend or retract them with a specially designed key included in a matching holster, stored in every boot for easy access. Weather proof and stylishly versatile, these shoes will let you take on whatever the day throws at you.

4x4outsole.com

Ride With Us

40 / 45

Ride With Us

In the footsteps of Ljubelj hill climb race on a Ducati Multistrada V4 S

“DON’T CUT CORNERS!”

by Matevž Hribar photography Bor Dobrin, Archive Miro Hrast

Full natural stands in 1959.

In the photo: Edvard Čuden on Tomos SGSS 250.

Miro‘s advice was definitely on point as I arrived on a shiny brand new four-cylinder Multistrada to tackle the old road to Ljubelj mountain pass.

Racers have a habit of constantly seeking the shortest possible racing line, but that was most certainly not advisable on the road with an average incline of 14%, reaching as much as 32% in some places and with a macadam surface that was not not in tip-top shape either...

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40 / 45

Ride With Us

Where to begin? Let us forego chronology

to contest the slope. But who could have

for the moment and start with geography. The

guessed that his BMW would be unable to

Karavanke (Karawanks) is a 120-kilometre-

complete the route in the allotted time. To

long mountain range that forms a natural

remedy the issue, local Mirko Hrast gave him

boundary between Slovenia and Austria. I

a differential that was suited for shorter gear

have climbed most of the range’s peaks on

ratios in an act of camaraderie. “After the

foot and on touring skis and I can attest that

race Hillebrand came and asked my father

the inclines are decidedly vehicle unfriendly.

what he could give him in return, to which

But since industrially and commercially

my father replied that he wanted nothing and

important cities like Tržič and Ljubljana lie

that racers were there to help each other. So

to the south, with the major port of Trieste

Hillebrand gave him his helmet,” explained

not too much further away, while Klagenfurt,

Miro Hrast who, using the very same helmet,

followed by Graz, Salzburg and, ultimately,

his father’s motorbike and his wife Anka as

Vienna are all found to the north, it becomes

co-pilot, still participates in vintage road

clear that people simply had to traverse the

races to the top of Ljubelj pass.

range - and not only on foot or by donkey.

Therefore, it will probably not come as a surprise that carved Roman inscriptions were found at the 1,369-metre pass, which offers the shortest route between the Ljubljana President of the Yugoslav Automobile Association at the top of Ljubelj in 1937.

and Klagenfurt basins. The two distinctive obelisks at its top were, however, erected later, in 1728, when Emperor Charles VI crossed over the pass. Until a tunnel was constructed lower down during WWII, Ljubelj was considered the steepest pass in the entire Alps, but that section of the road is now closed to traffic.

Austrian Alfred Pruckner (BSA) and Serb Milivoj Božič (Porsche) in 1960.

A demanding route you say?

Let’s go racing!

The Ljubelj pass hill climb race itself was first held in 1926 with 44 competitors (including six motorcycles and three with sidecars) taking part. The race was won by Josip Pogačar from Ljubljana on an AJS, who completed the 10-kilometre climb in 10 minutes and 16 seconds. Not bad, huh?

In 1934, the first female competitor, Hanja

International cast: Australians Ray and Jean Foster on the 500cc Norton.

Bošković, took part on a Puch, while five years later racers had to qualify for the first time - those who could not complete the course in less than 6 minutes and 30 seconds were not allowed to take part. In that same year, Europe began to turn into a battlefield and in 1941 the German army invaded the then Yugoslavia across Ljubelj.

After the war

Some hairpins are so steep that they will make your eyes bulge as you keep repeating, “I can do it, I can do it.”

Can the race be safe?

The archives of the Tržič Auto-Moto Association reveal that 50,000 spectators came to see the 1957 race. “Alongside ski jumping in Planica, this was the biggest sport event in the country. Association members went from house to house in the weeks before the race, asking the locals to provide lodging to the competitors. So the racers slept on couches, benches, even on the floor. Still others stayed the night in Ljubljana before taking off towards Ljubelj in a loud morning motorcade. Spectators also spent the night on and under the tables, hoping that one of the trucks would take them to the race in the morning. If they had no such luck, they walked.

Five kilometres to the start and ten to the finish. And walk they did: all the turns were full of fans! Well, except for the ones closest to the finish line, as only commissioners, timekeepers, journalists and racers were allowed to get right to the border. In addition to police and customs officers, members of the Yugoslav secret police were also always at the top,” Miro recalls. Were there any accidents? If you were to brake poorly at any turn, would falling into the precipice mean certain death? “No, there was never a severe accident. Although the fastest racers reached up to 140km/h on the section passing the church. Well, in 1957, Erwin Orsario, one of the favourites, overturned in training just before the finish line, his motorbike tumbling down into the valley

-

below while he rolled over the line breaking a

The locals restarted the race in 1949, though

finger. Austrian doctors were quick to the spot,

the finish line was no longer at the pass

but he said he trusted the Yugoslavian ones

itself, but lower down, sufficiently far from the

just fine and let them bandage his finger.”

heavily guarded border. All the competitors

The race was held on the old road for the

at the restart came from Yugoslavia and used

last time in 1961. Instead of the roar of

old pre-war machines. The turning point

two- and four-stroke racing machines, the

came in 1953, when the FIA and FIM decided

valley witnessed the rumble of construction

that the route was suitable for international

equipment that was building a new, wider road

competitions and the attendance list grew:

connecting the valley to the tunnel. The tunnel

74 racers took part, with Yugoslavians being

itself was built during WWII by a thousand

joined by Italians, Austrians, Germans, Swiss,

prisoners of war, alongside an eight-hundred

French and even Argentines.

strong German workforce. The 1.5-km long

This was also the year when Friedrich

passage at 1,069 metres above sea level

Hillebrand, later a BMW factory racer, came

was originally dug out in 1944, but numerous

42

43 The road is now closed to traffic; we thundered some surprised hikers on it. To prepare the article, we had special permission to drive up and down the road.

Today, Miro continues the racing tradition with his wife Anka as a co-driver.

Multiple winner Friedrich Hillebrand at the top in the company of Yugoslav security authorities (in the background). Miro Hrast still keeps the helmet that Hillebrand gave to his father Mirko.

border-related issues meant it wasn’t fully

place since 1994 on the final and steepest

completed until 1963. The new road was in

two-kilometre section of the route. It was

part built on top of the old racing route, the

named the Hrast Memorial in 1996 in

remainder was left to tree roots. You can still

memory of the late Mirko Hrast. While it is

hike on the final section, which starts to the

hard to believe, it was not the countless race

right of the tunnel entrance, while in the winter

kilometres, but a tick bite that proved fatal

you can take a sled in the opposite direction to

for the Ljubelj veteran. The race was not

that which the racers once took.

organised in 2020 and 2021 due to youknow-what, but fans of racing on the dusty

Ljubelj becomes an open-air museum once a year. A loud one!

Mirko and Miro Hrast, father and son, last time together in an antiques race. Mirko is 84 years old!

track are determined not to let the thunder die out just yet.

When he found out that I was going to

-

navigate the old route on a new Ducati, he

But roaring has not yet died out on the old

said, “Don’t cut corners because you will

gravel road. A vintage race for cars and

fall or lose traction in the sand.

bikes built before 1961 has been taking

It’s steep as hell.”

40 / 45

Ride With Us

DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 S: Machine from another planet Taming a 218-kilogram (net weight) bike with 125 kW (170hp) on gravel is not exactly a walk in the park. I didn’t even think of starting up a stopwatch to see how my time would compare to the old bangers with three to four times less horsepower driving their back wheels. In the end, I was also quite pleased that my bike came with traction control. The Multistrada, although having much more power than the road tyres were able to transfer to the loose surface, is both competent and pleasant to ride on with a moderate speed on the poor-quality macadam. But there is no denying that the bike is much more at home on winding asphalt roads like the ones found below the pass. When you allow its sporty heart to beat with full force, your brain slams into the back of the helmet, and the big screen starts showing numbers you don’t want recorded by a police officer’s radar. Speaking of radar: Multistrada has one too. Radar cruise control works flawlessly. While I can well imagine that the bike’s Italian designers may not have been entirely satisfied when told to install the radar cube into the front panel, they did a good job. After all, it is what it is - we must keep up with the times. Even us motorcyclists.

Janez Kermavner and Mirko Hrast in a 750cc BMW at the finish line of the 1957 Ljubelj race.

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// Si

// Z Ducatijem Multistrado V4 S po sledeh gorske dirke na Ljubelj: »Ne sekaj ovinkov!« Dirkači imamo to navado, da iščemo čim krajšo linijo. A Mirov nasvet je bil tokrat na mestu: cesta na stari prelaz Ljubelj postreže s povprečno 14-, mestoma pa s kar 32-odstotnim naklonom. Na ne ravno lepem makadamu. Jaz pa na bleščeči, povsem novi štirivaljni Multistradi ...

Zgodba opisuje zgodovino dirke, ki je po številu gledalcev tekmovala s smučarskimi skoki v Planici, prekinitev zaradi vojne in oživitev tradicije s Hrastovim memorialom, na katerem lahko sodelujejo dirkači z motocikli, izdelanimi v časih prvotne dirke na Ljubelj.

Story

by Volker Hirth photography Bor Dobrin and Oskar Bakke

M a rc P h i l i p p G e m b a l l a a n d t h e M a r s i e n

MAKER OF DREAMS COME TRUE

Technology. Design. Power. Sound. When a man dreams, and in this case it’s just a man, he does his utmost to make the dream come true. Marc Philipp Gemballa, 27 years young, chic apartment, fine fleet of cars in front of the house... The first impression is definitely of someone who doesn’t need to work. Far from it! The young, blond male looks like a business student, and that is because he once was one. But that is the only cliché he fulfils. Otherwise, he is a self-made man who produces dream cars. Very limited in number and extremely special vehicles, with an unusual name - Marsien.

46 / 49 Story

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46 / 49 Story

His career could well have been shaped

improving the sound and performance while

by his father, but after he tragically died

reducing weight. The result is a unique

11 years ago, Marc was left on his own to

vehicle that feels as comfortable in the

fulfil his dreams. His father’s death was a

desert as it does on the Champs-Élysées

nightmare and served as a rude wake-up

or Rodeo Drive. This versatility is made

call. Suddenly his carefree adolescence was

possible by a unique hydraulic system that

over. What is one to do, if being surrounded

can adjust the ground clearance between

by dream cars and dream trips up until

115 and 250mm with the press of a button.

then? “There wasn’t a vacation where

The specs are stunning. The full carbon body

roads didn’t play a role,” smiles the young

hides a roaring six-cylinder biturbo engine

entrepreneur. Whether in the USA, Thailand

with 551kW (750hp) (RUF can bring that

or the Emirates, a vacation was business in a

up to 610kW (830hp) on request), 930Nm

dreamlike setting. So, what was there to stop

of torque, a top speed of 335km/h, 2.6

Gemballa Jr from continuing as Gemballa 2.0

seconds from 0 to 100km/h and 7.8 seconds

so to speak? Today the company is called

from a standstill to 200km/h. Only rarely do

Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH and is not

such limited edition super cars cost less than

connected at all to his father’s outfit. What

one million euros, but the base 911 (992)

remains is the DNA, inherited from his father

Turbo S will cost around 220,000 EUR, while

Uwe, who was for some two decades one of

Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH will charge

the most renowned designers and tuners of

another 495,000 EUR for the all-round and

already noble automobiles. To this day, his

interior refinement, plus VAT, of course.

masterpiece remains the Gemballa Mirage GT, based on the legendary Porsche GT.

It is a world-class car. But the world very

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the

rarely gets to see it. The Marsien is limited

son-in-law of the ruler of Sharjah, a small

to 40 units. Demand is much higher. More

emirate of the UAE, owns a Mirage, and

than a hundred other interested parties

as Marc Philipp Gemballa was looking for

would immediately be prepared to make

a desert to evaluate his own masterpiece,

room for it in their garage, customers

the sheikh decided to invite him. For three

who place the highest value on precision,

months ‘Project Sandbox’ was put through

high tech, performance and, furthermore,

its paces across the deserts of Sharjah. The

exclusivity. Marc Philipp didn’t think for a

results were excellent, and so was the video

second about succumbing to the temptation

(marcphilippgemballa.com/launchfilm).

to increase production. “The customer wants exclusivity, and I guarantee it,” the

The Al Fayah desert almost bizarrely

young entrepreneur remains steadfast. Just

resembles our solar system’s red planet,

as his father was. The travels of the 27-year-

and it was its impressive vistas that

old have taken him all over the world. He

suggested the name: Marsien. The project

was on the road constantly for almost

had outgrown the sandbox and turned into

two years. Packing a tuxedo? No, T-shirts

a supercar without an equal, though it did

and jeans. “I’m not a suit kind of guy.” The

have a role model. In 1986 the legendary

photos are still on the floor. No time to

Porsche 959 won the toughest of all rallies,

hang them up yet. It’s no coincidence that

the Paris-Dakar. This ultimate challenge for

the portrait of his masterpiece stands next

all long-distance freaks is now known as the

to the picture of a Mirage, the showpiece

Dakar Rally and takes place in Saudi Arabia.

from his father’s era. Would his father be

The rear of the 959 is strikingly similar to

proud of him? “I don’t know. But I think he

that of the Marsien. “You think so?” grins

would have built a car similar to mine today.”

Marc Philipp. “Some say so, others say not.”

Marc Philipp created the Marsien, but he

The 959 was also developed on the 911

took cues from his potential customers.

platform. Its basis is a Porsche 911 Turbo

What exactly do they want? What hasn’t

S, part of the current 992 series. Anyone

been done before? What do they dream of?

who wants a Marsien must buy this car

Their answers are perfectly embodied in the

from Porsche and then hand it over to the

Marsien, and so, instead of being moulded

artisans at Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH.

by his father, Marc Philipp Gemballa has

The most renowned design and engineering

chosen his own path. He became somebody

companies in the industry engage in the

unique because of what he does. He makes

makeover. RUF is called in for engine

dreams come true.

development, KW is the suspension and chassis partner and Akrapovič developed a new exhaust system for the Marsien,

48

49

If you want a Marsien, you have to buy a 911 Turbo S and then hand it over to the artisans at Marc Philipp Gemballa GmbH.

The Marsien is limited to 40 units. Demand is much higher. More than a hundred other interested parties would immediately be prepared to make room for it in their garage.

50 / 55 Adventure

Advent ure

A magical ride trough Patagonia to Ushuaia

N

EXT STOP:

THE END OF THE WORLD

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51

Text and photography by Federico Tondelli

There has always been something magical for me in getting to the very end of a road, where the wheels must stop because there’s no more land to explore and one gets overwhelmed by the feeling of having accomplished some extraordinary adventure. Despite riding in Patagonia being less dangerous and demanding nowadays than it was even just a few years ago, tough weather conditions and tricky gravel roads still represent a challenge for European travellers used to finding gas stations at every corner and sleeping in comfortable hotels every night.

ROUTE PLANNING

by having to take an 80km detour for an

Being busy with my regular job until the end of

Carretera Austral. Refuelling is serious

November, we had to squeeze our adventure between the final roar of the MotoGP season and the tinkling of the Christmas bells. My good friend Euto Mandalari and I left home

emergency refuel before finally joining the business here, so you cannot afford to miss any chances.

on December 1st on a 21-day schedule

RIPIO AND RAIN

to complete a journey that I wanted to be

Carretera Austral is General Pinochet’s road,

something more than just endless miles of

linking Puerto Montt in the northern part of

hardcore riding; for me this was going to be

Southern Chile, to Villa O’Higgins further down

about visiting some well-known sites, some

the country and provides vistas of beautiful,

lesser-known ones and mixing with the locals.

temperate rainforest. It differs from Ruta 40 by

Our trip began in the small city of Osorno, a

being a much smaller road and it runs through

couple of hours by plane south of Santiago de

the Andes rather than skirting them, meaning

Chile, where we collected our two remaining

that those travelling on it will not be protected

companions – a 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT

from the rain by the mountains’ shadow, but

and a 650cc version. The plan was to head

rather ride straight through downpours! On

east, cross into Argentina and visit the Seven

the way to Coyhaique, we stopped to admire

Lakes region, then turn southwards and join

Ventisquero Colgante, a peculiar glacier

the mythical Ruta 40 which runs 5,200km

located in Queulat National Park, that hangs

from the north to the south of Argentina,

from the mountain and whose melted waters

mostly in the shadow of the Andes, and which

feed a cold lake that was frozen still in the

in many ways reminds one of its Chilean

1970s. A worthy detour before heading farther

counterpart, the Carretera Austral, just with

south for another 300km. Be aware though

less rain. We crossed the Andes five times in

that riding conditions can be pretty bad in

total before planting our tyres square onto the

wet weather and some of the steep mountain

famous flats of the Pampa, all the way down to

sections feature tight hairpins, which can be

the Tierra del Fuego.

a challenge on heavily loaded bikes. You also need to take care when cutting corners as

OFF WE GO Clear blue skies and still air awaited us in San Martin de Los Andes, where we got our first taste of off-road riding on the two heavily loaded V-Stroms. The 140km stretch

trucks can often be coming from the opposite direction and their brakes, as well as their sobriety, might sometimes be a bit suspect!

THAT’S WHY WE CAME HERE

on Ruta 63 and Ruta 237 featured one of the

Another 85km later we got one of the most

thinnest dusts I’ve experienced, a light and

iconic sights of the whole trip: the Mirador

fluffy talcum powder that stayed in our eyes

Cerro Castillo, which while not much of a climb,

until we reached San Carlos de Bariloche,

offers six perfectly designed switchbacks which

a rich yolk surrounded by a poor egg white

come straight out of a postcard.

of a slum. The excitement of being back on

An extra 132km along the road and we arrived

the magical Ruta 40 pumped us with enough

at Puerto Rio Tranquilo, our designated stop

adrenaline to ride the 300km to Esquel and

for the day, but we felt like we could definitely

survive our first experience with the wind – a

do some more riding, so we unpacked and

serious challenge in Patagonia. It’s constant

took off for Glaciar Exploradores, a 100km

and it’s dangerous, as it blows down from

return trip that was a perfect chance to enjoy

the Andes after having been charged-up as

some serious sliding and drifting with our

it climbs the Chilean side and reaches the

luggage-less V-Stroms on a compact and flat

Pampa with gusts of more than 100km/h,

ripio. The small village owes its notoriety to

requiring you to ride at a 30-degree angle to

being the base for exploring the Capillas de

keep heading straight.

Marmol, incredible caves and rock formations

From Esquel we headed to Chile through the

that reflect the bright blue and green waters of

Futaleufu checkpoint (where we had one of

General Carrera Lake - definitely a must if you

the usual fights with bureaucracy about papers

find yourself nearby.

and documents), getting to the border on a

A gravel road with a perfect grip and wonderful

‘ripio’ (unpaved) road that was nothing less

scenery took us the 165km to Chile Chico and

than stunning, due to the beautiful flowers

from there across the border with Argentina

blooming in intense yellow, embellishing the

to Perito Moreno, where we joined Ruta 40

roadside. The road from Futaleufu to Villa

again for the 355km long leg to Gobernador

Santa Lucia was quite magical, a true dirt road

Gregores. This section of road is long,

running alongside the Futaleufu River, one of

desolate and windy, everything you expect

Chile’s best white-water rafting rivers, with

from this legendary route. Fuel stops are

majestic sights hidden behind every corner in

close to the limit of a bike’s range, and the

an endless series of wows.

only option in that isolated land are the Bajo

We paid for being focused on all that beauty,

Caracoles: sticker-filled fuel pumps standing

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50 / 55 Adventure

“You can ride for several miles without meeting anyone. I remember that day when we were on the way to Gobernador Gregores: I could count only 40 other vehicles on our 350km leg.”

outside single-floor buildings under a HOTEL sign, which also serves as a restaurant, a bar and a local shop and where you can find literally everything you need to survive. It was a long and mentally stressful day, and there was a massive sense of achievement when we

POWDER

START RUTA 40

arrived, dusty and wind battered.

RUTA 40

PANTING, HIKING AND EXPLORING

FUEL

“A journey that we wanted to be something more than just endless miles of hardcore riding.”

Tres Lagos is nothing more than another fuel station in the middle of nowhere, but it looks

GAUCHOS

like an oasis in the desert when you arrive panting from the 174km long Dakar-style deep

MIRADOR

gravel through Estancia La Lucia. The stickercovered shop marks the return to paved roads that lead to El Chalten, 300km south-west of

EXPLORADORES

CAPILLAS DE MARMOL

Gobernador Gregores, another great place to stop for a couple of days, especially if

SANTA THEMA

you have the intention to climb the famous Mount Fitz Roy - as we did. The city also has some nice microbreweries to refresh yourself afterwards and to wash down the ubiquitous

DEEP GRAVEL

FITZ ROY

Argentine steaks.

From here, it’s on to El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is truly spectacular. Not only do you lose the sense of time watching the impressive ice wall from the observatory

PERITO MORENO

HARD ENDURO LAKE PEHOE

deck, but the experience of taking a walk on the crispy surface and sipping whiskey with a

WIND & COLD

400-year-old ice cube is mesmerising.

A hard enduro road then led us on a 268km ride to Puerto Natales, where we left the luggage at the hotel and took a 238km return trip that delved deep into the astonishing

THE END

PENGUINS FLAMINGOS FALL ASLEEP

mountains, rushing rivers and raging waterfalls of Torres del Paine National Park.

IN SIGHT OF TIERRA DEL FUEGO Leaving Torres del Paine meant heading as far south in Chile as you can go, through a cold, windy and desolate land all the way to Punta Arenas and from there, on the shore of the Strait of Magellan, you are in sight of Tierra del Fuego and the last leg of the southbound journey, the road to Ushuaia. As soon as you get off the ferry and land on the island, you really feel that it’s the last part of the adventure, but the struggles are far from over.

The 452km long paved road has incredible grip, but the wind blows hard and cold, thus resulting in a true test of mental strength.

But hard as that could be, it couldn’t ruin the explosion of pride and happiness that I felt deep in my heart while riding the final 23km from Ushuaia to Bahia Lapataia, where we had been heading to for the whole journey.

‘Aqui finaliza la Ruta Nac. N°3’, say the letters in yellow on the wooden sign, marking the end to our adventure.

‘Alaska 17,848 km’, the letters in yellow proclaim again.

Is this really the end?

END OF THE WORLD

USHUAIA

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// Si NASLEDNJI POSTANEK: KONEC SVETA Zame je bilo vedno čarobno znajti se na koncu ceste, kjer se kolesa morajo ustaviti, saj drugače pod njimi zmanjka zemlje za nadaljnje raziskovanje, in kjer človeka prevzame občutek, da se je ravnokar končala izjemna pustolovščina. Čeprav je vožnja po Patagoniji danes manj nevarna in zahtevna kot pred nekaj leti, so težavne vremenske razmere in zahtevne makadamske ceste še vedno izziv za popotnike, ki so navajeni bencinskih črpalk za vsakim vogalom in spanja v udobnih hotelih.

A kljub zahtevnosti te poti prav nič ni moglo pokvariti eksplozije ponosa in sreče, ki sem ju čutil globoko v sebi, ko sem prevozil še zadnjih 23 km od Ushuaie do Bahie Lapataie, resnično končnega cilja najinega potovanja. Aqui finaliza la Ruta Nac. N°3 (sl.: Tu se konča državna cesta št. 3) piše z rumenimi črkami na leseni tabli, ki označuje konec najine pustolovščine. Alaska 17,848 km (sl.: Aljaska 17.848 km) je zapisano pod njimi. Ali sem res na koncu poti?

Evolut ion

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Evolution

Japanese tuning cars

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOOK AND SPEED

THE

by Kentaro Hiroshima Translated from Japanese by Sonia Ito

photography Option, Profimedia, Superfly-autos.com, Souki

The Inner Circular Route of the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway is a 14.8km ringroad with numerous junctions and merging sections. Although still used sporadically by street racers, their ranks have thinned dramatically since 2018, when the authorities initiated continuous large-scale patrols at numerous checkpoints. This, coupled with the fact that street racing with tuned cars is illegal in Japan, it has been said that the number of street racers has dropped to less than a tenth of what it was at its peak. Despite this, there are still numerous people who tune and tweak their vehicles, and it‘s not just about speed!

There is actually only a handful of racers

have to worry about eating,” said a man who

keep up even in such extreme corners. Even

who seriously venture onto the Tokyo

used to race on the expressway on average

though there are no straights on the C1, we

Metropolitan Expressway (C1). Most of the

three times a week. The route’s sharp

can reach top speeds of 300km/h,” said the

enthusiasts who say they go there to ‘run’,

curves require a car with excellent driving

enthusiastic, nearly 50-year-old man and

actually only gather on its parking areas

performance, and its overall balance is

continued, “about 20-years-ago, there was

on weekend evenings with their friends,

more important than its power. That stability

a time when you would encounter only one

cruise along and discuss all things four

depends on the suspension set-up that

or two non-racing cars during a full lap on

wheels in front of their beloved supercars.

determines this balance. The man, whose

the expressway, and the local police were

“I used to spend about 200,000 yen (EUR

favourite machine is the 600hp Nissan GT-R

probably not as strict as they are now. At

1,500) a month on petrol alone. Most of

(BNR34), said, “There are a few corners

that time, I thought of the C1 as a racing

what I earned was spent on fuel, so the first

where the car jumps because of the speed

circuit. There is nothing more exciting than

thing I did when I got paid was buy a box

you’re going at. You cannot go fast on C1

the speed and thrill you can experience there

of cup noodles. That way, at least I didn’t

unless the car has a suspension that can

and that’s why I keep driving on it.”

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“I used to spend about 200,000 yen (EUR 1,500) a month on petrol alone. Most of what I earned went to fuel, so the first thing I did when I got paid was buy a box of cup noodles.

That way, at least I didn’t have to worry about eating,“ said a man who used to race on the expressway on average three times a week.

300km/h – the Holy Grail -

Tuning in Japan goes back to the 1970s. In those days, tuning itself was illegal in the country, so boosting the engine, lowering the ground clearance or changing the muffler were all subject to fines. Even so, there was no end to the number of car enthusiasts seeking power and speed, so even though it was an underground activity, tuning slowly spread throughout Japan.

Why the desire to modify a car to increase its power? That’s not a difficult question to answer. The enthusiasts simply wanted to go faster. From the late-1970s to the mid-

swing in the country and ‘top class’ machines

aerodynamic kits. The performance of these

were able to reach 250–260km/h – almost

two guys is basically identical. Akira and

as fast as the American cars with their much

Koji, known locally as the ‘One-Eighty Twins’,

larger engines. It was not so easy to reach

are both famous drifters in their mid-thirties.

300km/h however, which was the Holy Grail

“We’ve known each other since elementary

of the fastest drivers of that time. The first to

school. We know what the other is thinking,

break the barrier was racing driver Kunimitsu Takahashi, who took his Mitsunaga Pantera SPL with its 600hp mid-mounted 7.7-litre V6 Chevrolet LS7 to an impressive 307.69km/h in November 1981. This was a memorable first 300km/h-plus machine in Japan, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that Japan’s tuning pioneers were all about maximum speed until the mid-1980s.

1980s, such tuned cars would gather at night to race on public roads in what was commonly called the ‘Tomei Race’. The name comes from the Tomei Expressway,

and I think we understand each other better than anyone else,” Akira said. “I used to be a knee dragging motorbike kid. I started driving a car on the seven turns of the Nanamagari when I was eighteen, right after I got my car license. I started out with a Nissan Silvia and a 180SX, but after an accident, I switched exclusively to the 180SX.” “We both live at the base of this mountain pass, so we come here eight-days-a-week to drift,” Koji says laughingly. For them, drifting is a hobby and a

The daring drifters -

way to relieve stress from work. The highlight of the event is their twin drifting, reminiscent of a D1GP tandem chase, but taking place

one of Japan’s major highways and also an

It was also around this time that drifting came

important logistical artery connecting Tokyo

into focus as the new hot thing in driving. It

to Nagoya. The illegal race tested who could

has remained popular ever since, as proved

keeping a very close distance, synchronised

drive the 25km from the Ebina service area

by the two white Nissan 180SX’s which show

and almost touching. This is a feat that can

to the Tokyo toll gate in the shortest time.

up every day at the Nanamagari road in the

only be accomplished by two people who

The most important factor was speed. At that

mountains of Hakone. Although equipped

trust each other completely and have known

time, L-type mechanical tuning was in full

with different wheels, they both use matching

one another for 25-years.

on a public road. The two cars race through the turns passing the throngs of fans while

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Evolution

Maxing up the bling -

Tuning cars meant for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) that have found their way overseas, has meanwhile become the new buzzword among performance car fans, with the Japanese focusing as much on the engine as on other parts. One owner took his 25-year-old Honda EG9 Civic Ferio SiR and turned it into a dress up car with a purple metallic body, full aero kit, and 18-inch chrome wheels, as well as replaced the engine with a DC2 Integra Type-R (B18C). Not only that, the compression ratio has also been increased with a high camshaft, and a quadruple throttle was also installed. The air funnels and cam covers have been plated to look like mirrors, and wire tacks have been attached. The engine compartment now looks more like a show car than a tuned car, although its output is nowhere near record breaking at about 250hp. The car’s 23-year-old owner says that the engine was not tuned for power, but for responsiveness, and, sure enough, it revs up to nearly 10,000rpm.

“A four-throttle system looks cool. It feels like a proper machine. Also, I’m particular about the sound. I love the sound of the air intake when it accelerates to full speed,” remarks the owner.

The exhaust system was also well thought out, with equal length manifolds, a centre pipe without a catalyst and a straight pipe muffler to produce the high-pitched Honda sound. “When you drive it, it’s fast. It’s quick in its own right, but my goal was never to make it fast. I just wanted to make the engine compartment look cool, so I tuned it up and, as a result, it became faster,” says the owner.

Tune up everything

In many cases, tuning involves everything – the engine, suspension, exhaust, as well as the car’s interior and exterior. While it was something that only a few car enthusiasts did in the past, it has since been accepted by many, regardless of the car they drive. This is proof that tuning in Japan has reached a mature stage and will undoubtedly continue to evolve in the future.

“It‘s quick in its own right, but my goal was never to make it fast. I just wanted to make the engine compartment look cool, so I tuned it up, and, as a result, it became faster,” says the car’s owner.

by Alenka Birk

WINE SAFARI You will not see any lions, zebras or giraffes on this safari; however the locals in the guise of the Kontrabant team will still provide you with an unforgettable experience. Hop into a special off-road vehicle, embark on a voyage among the never-ending rows of grapevines and enjoy the stunning views of the scenic Brda region (Slovenia) before stopping for a vineyard picnic.

Then it’s time to visit some friends, Brda winemakers to be more exact, where you will learn the secrets behind the magical flavours of their premium wines first-hand. Because Kontrabant (Slovenian translation of contraband) would lose its meaning if you didn’t cross the border, the team will take you on secret routes to visit a cellar in Italy’s Collio and let you ‘smuggle’ some goodies along the way. This unique experience blends winetasting with learning the secrets of wine-making, local cuisine and how it would feel to live in a vineyard. www.kontrabant.si

STEP INTO A VAN GOGH PAINTING Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a painting? Now you can! Welcome to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, a digitally augmented simulation where you get the chance to experience paintings come to life. You can step into paintings like Irises, Sunflowers and Starry Night. The exhibit uses music, light, movement and colour to engulf visitors in the artwork. The goal is to present the paintings as glimpses of active life, set among moving landscapes.

Through ceiling digital projection, close to 3000 moving images illuminate the colourful brushstrokes of the great master in larger-than-life scenes, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Dutch artist’s famous paintings.

A musical soundscape accompanies the projections to add to the dream-like state of the exhibition, while aromas are infused throughout the auditorium so that museumgoers can literally stop and smell the (Sun) flowers. The multisensory exhibition is currently on display in Europe and America. www.vangoghexpo.com

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Crazy Stuff

OUTSIDE THE BOX Are you ready for an exciting culinary adventure like no other? Do the phrases “cooking outside the box” and “multi-sensory dining experience” make your taste buds tingle? Then visit COB, a modern, fine dining restaurant, where the quality of the experience comes first. With COB - standing for Cooking Outside the Box - the idea behind the venture is to make food in a completely different way than in other Slovenian restaurants. It means that COB guests get to discover Slovenian gastronomy by letting the dishes tell the story of your destination in fun, interactive, and maybe even unexpected ways. Try a different gastronomic experience that will take you on an exciting culinary adventure unlike any other. With the menus set up like a trip around Istria or Slovenia, chef Filip Matjaž is waiting to welcome you in the coastal town of Portorož. www.cob.si

www.cob.si

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HOP ON THE WORLD’S LONGEST BUS ROUTE Would you like to become a part of the longest bus journey in the world, spanning two continents, 18 countries, and covering 20,000 km? Bus to London is the biggest, grandest and most epic bus journey in the world – and you have the chance to experience it first-hand. Hop on in India and travel through vibrant Asia before reaching London – and then stay on the bus for the journey back to Delhi, taking the same route in reverse (Apr. 2022 – Delhi to London, Aug. 2022 – London to Delhi). Join the world’s longest bus journey in comfortable ’business class’ seats and enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of nature and cities that you will stop in along the way. Truly an experience to remember!

www.bustolondon.in

Visit With Us

L I S A B A D E R , S O M M E L I E R O F T H E Y E A R 2 0 21

by Michael Baumann photography Ivana Krešić

Apart from offering sublime in-house dining at The Restaurant, The Dolder Grand hotel also provides its guests with professional advice on their choice of wine, courtesy of Switzerland’s best wine stewardess: Lisa Bader, Gault & Millau Sommelier of the Year 2021 for Switzerland.

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If Switzerland were a kingdom, there’s a good chance the ruling family would reside in The Dolder Grand, a five-star hotel perched above Lake Zürich.

62 / 67 Visit With Us

65 If Switzerland were a kingdom, there’s a good chance the ruling family would reside in The Dolder Grand, a five-star hotel perched above Lake Zürich. Since this is not the case, the stately home with its modern annexes by architect Norman Foster, is fortunately open to all who can afford to relax in its spa, spend the night or dine like royalty. The definite place to go for culinary delights is The Restaurant, where chef Heiko Nieder (two Michelin stars and nineteen Gault Millau points) has been conjuring up masterpieces for years. The venue, which like the entire hotel features first-class international art, is moreover the realm of Lisa Bader, a 31-year-old German sommelier from Baden-Württemberg, who will make sure that lunch and dinner are always perfectly accompanied by exquisite wines, making the dining experience at The Restaurant truly complete.

A detour to a vocation

To see the best in the field providing the service in such a top eatery cannot come as a surprise. Lisa was named Sommelier of the Year 2021 by Gault Millau Switzerland – a great honour – yet she only found her passion and vocation in a roundabout way. After graduating from high school, she thought about studying medicine, but eventually opted for International Hotel and Events Management at the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) in Montreux, as well as organised events in Frankfurt am Main. Because she always had a passion for wine and was studying close to the Rheingau wine-growing region, she also trained as a certified sommelier in Koblenz. The rest is history.

After having her first stint as an intern at The Dolder Grand, she received an offer from Heiko for the position of head sommelier in 2016. She didn’t think twice and gladly accepted the invitation to come to Zürich, where she has been part of Heiko’s team at The Restaurant since 2017. So, what specifically fascinates her about wine? “It looks simply wonderful in a glass and is made with heart and soul,” she says with a glint in her eye. In addition, every vintage is different and continues to develop in the bottle, which is an exciting process.

Examine with eye, nose and palate

During mealtimes, Lisa advises guests in The Restaurant and makes recommendations

The wines are stored in an impressive shelf with glass doors that stands in the middle of the restaurant and is about five meters tall. In total, Lisa has access to 750 different wines at The Restaurant alone.

66

as to which wine goes with each course.

There are at least two of each bottle from the

selection. But she also tastes many wines with

Depending on the occasion, a menu can

same vintage in stock. Lisa uses a ladder to

Heiko and they create menus including the

include up to 10 courses, to which she

reach the bottles sorted on the upper shelves.

accompanying wines together. “It is always

matches the appropriate wines. When

As head sommelier, she is not only responsible

important to keep food and wine in harmony,”

giving her recommendation, she also

for the wine, but for the entire range of

she adds. Together with an employee who is

pays attention to the origin, grape variety

beverages at The Dolder Grand, ranging from

also a sommelier, Lisa moreover determines

and style of the wines. She then carefully

mineral water and sweet drinks, to sparkling

the wine selection for the hotel’s all-day-dining

uncorks the bottles and checks the wine

wine, schnapps and the very expensive wines.

Salz Restaurant.

with her keen eye and sensitive nose

The range of everything on offer in a five-star

before pouring a little into a glass and

hotel like The Dolder Grand is, as expected,

Lisa doesn’t know why she was chosen as

taking a sip. Only after the wine has been

very large.

Sommelier of the Year 2021. “You don’t know

approved by her, is it poured out for the guests to taste. The wines are stored in

Always on the lookout for new wines

the criteria, you don’t know what Gault Millau pays attention to,” she explains. But she was

an impressive cabinet with glass doors

The Sommelier of the Year 2021 is responsible

pleasantly surprised. After all, “It’s the biggest

that stands in the middle of the restaurant

for procurement and has to stick to a budget.

award and recognition in this country that

and is about five meters tall. In total, Lisa

She gives the nod to beverages served at the

exists in my line of work.” Incidentally, Lisa

has access to 750 different wines at The

hotel’s restaurants, its bar, at banquets and

considers the price for a bottle of wine to be

Restaurant alone. The focus is on products

also as part of room service. In order to sniff

relative and secondary. “The basic criterion

from Switzerland, France, Italy and the

out new and exciting wines for the guests, Lisa

for me is that the wine tastes good to you,”

USA. “The bottles are arranged by place

travels a lot. “I regularly visit wineries, trade

she says. And everyone has a different taste.

of origin – like on a map,” she says. Wines

fairs and suppliers all over the world,” she

Of course, more expensive wines tend to be

from Slovenia, however, are not yet on offer

says, describing this part of her varied work.

better. But there are also quite good Riesling

at The Dolder Grand.

Her sense of taste helps her make the right

wines starting at five Swiss francs a bottle.

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A glass of fresh cow’s milk

cow’s milk, too, in order to recover from the

persistence. This requires a practice-oriented

hectic pace of everyday working life, after

and demanding course of study, and there are

work: “Interactions with guests can be easily

doing sports, or even if doing sweet nothing at

quite a few exams to pass. “I expect it to take

home and recharging her batteries.

another three to four years before I’m ready,”

Lisa appreciates one thing above all about her intertwined with wine culture.” When asked

says Lisa with her keen eye on the future. The

about her favourite wine, the head sommelier at The Dolder Grand has to smile. “I’ve been

Lisa already has her sights set on the next

range of what candidates must know and be

asked this question countless times.” And her

title – the ‘Master Sommelier’ at the Court

able to do is quite staggering. Apart from

of Master Sommeliers in London. Currently,

having to know your way around cigars – a

answer? Well, to the disappointment of many,

only about 270 people worldwide can lay

science in itself – and be adept at pairing wine,

likes Pinot Noir and Riesling grape varieties

claim to this prestigious title, which she is

tea and coffee, the candidates must also know

best. She always appreciates a glass of fresh

working on acquiring with her characteristic

geography and economics.

Lisa doesn’t have a favourite wine, though she

// Si Lisa Bader, someljejka leta 2021 Če bi bila Švica kraljevina, bi vladajoča družina najbrž prebivala v stavbi hotela s petimi zvezdicami The Dolder Grand nad Züriškim jezerom. Na srečo temu ni tako; veličastna stavba s sodobnimi prizidki arhitekta Normana Fosterja je na voljo vsem. V hotelski restavraciji »The Restaurant« glavni kuhar Heiko Nieder, ki se lahko pohvali z 19 točkami Gault Millau in 2 zvezdicama Michelin, že leta pripravlja svoje dobrote, pri izbiri vina pa gostom svetuje najboljša švicarska kletarka Lisa Bader, ki jo je vodič po restavracijah Gault Millau razglasil za someljejko leta 2021. 31-letna Nemka iz Baden-Württemberga je po končani srednji šoli razmišljala o študiju medicine, vendar se je odločila za študij mednarodnega upravljanja hotelov in prireditev na Švicarski hotelski šoli za upravljanje (SHMS) v Montreuxu, nato pa organizirala dogodke v Frankfurtu na Majni. Ker je bila od nekdaj navdušena nad vinom in je v tistem času delala blizu vinorodne regije Rheingau, se je v Koblenzu usposobila za certificiranega someljeja. Del pripravništva je opravila v hotelu Dolder. Ko je leta 2016 od Heika Niederja dobila ponudbo za mesto glavnega someljeja, jo je z veseljem sprejela. Od leta 2017 je del ekipe Heikove ekipe. »Vino je lep izdelek v kozarcu, narejen s strastjo. Vsak letnik je drugačen in se še naprej razvija v steklenici, kar je vznemirljiv proces,« pravi Lisa z žarom v očeh.

Story

The

Slovenian Zanardi Anej Doplihar, para-cyclist

by Peter Kavčič

photography Bor Dobrin, Grega Valančič, Sportida

An ej Doplih ar wa s a s uc c e s s ful S l o v e ni a n m o t o c r o s s r id e r b e f o r e in j u r in g h is s p in a l c o r d in a fa ll fo u r ye a r s a g o a t a na ti onal ch am pi o ns hi p ra c e , but hi s s to r y is p r o o f t h a t e ve n s u ch a n o r d e a l d o e s n o t h a ve t o p r eve n t o n e fr o m b e c o min g a successfu l at hl e te i n a di ffe re nt s po r t. Th e o p t imis t ic A n e j s e r ve s a s a n in s p ir a t i o n a n d b e c a m e a tr u e Pa r a lymp ia n in 2 021, wh en h e re pre s e nte d S l o v e ni a i n a pa r a - c y c lin g r a c e f o r t h e f ir s t t ime in h is lif e a t t h e S u mme r Pa r a lymp ic Ga me s in Jap an, fin ish i ng ni nth i n the ro a d ra c e , b u t t h e r o a d t o To k y o w a s b y n o me a n s e a s y .

At the final race of the 2017 national motocross

recovering from the injury to be able to sit in a

it, going training twice a week when I would ride

championship, held in Orehova vas on the track

special bicycle lent to him by the Soča University

for 100 kilometres,” adds Anej with a big smile on

that Slovenians call the “queen of all tracks”,

Rehabilitation Institute in Ljubljana, Anej started

his face.

the spectators were stunned into silence as red

a new career. He knew he had to do something

flags stopped the competition. The reactions

and he knew he wanted to remain an athlete.

Half a year of waiting for the wrong bike

of rescue personnel and officials made it clear

As part of his rehabilitation, he was introduced

The beginnings were far from easy. After six

that something serious had happened. This

to various sports and activities, and it was the

months of waiting, he received the wrong

was the day that ended the 11-year motocross

handcycle that attracted him the most. He first

handcycle. This meant a delay of another four

career of Anej Doplihar, a young rider from the

borrowed it for a month, but two weeks after

months, though he was fortunately still able

Vipavska Valley in the west of Slovenia. The

returning it he called the centre again and

to use the bike he had rented from the Soča

entire Slovenian motorsport scene was in shock,

borrowed it one more time. “I needed physical

institute. He soon found out that he was a

and questions about why it had happened

activity, I needed something happening, I also

complete beginner in his newly-chosen sport.

outnumbered the answers. But what followed

focused a lot on physical fitness during my

After finally receiving the right bike and taking

is a tale full of optimism, will to live and the

motocross career. Since the handcycle was not

it to the start of his first para-cycling race,

joy of life. In August 2018, after sufficiently

in high demand, I was able to continue renting

he quickly realised that he had no idea about

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69

After all the waiting and gaining experience in the past three years, Anej has finally received a proper handcycle, one with which he can be competitive overall.

Tim Gajser fan

handcycle racing. He likened his feelings

experience in the past three years, Anej has

to what he felt at his first motocross race

finally received a proper handcycle, one with

when he saw, at the starting gate, that the

which he can be competitive overall. It is an

competition was better prepared, had better

American handcycle made by Carbonbike –

equipment and more experience, and had cut

USA, an experienced manufacturer of such

him off in the first turn anyway.

machines. The price of the expertise and

He very quickly realised that getting the

manufacture did not come cheap, as the

correct racing handcycle was quite a

handcycle has a carbon-fibre frame, which is

challenge, especially if he wanted to take the

twice as expensive as an aluminium one.

sport more seriously. For starters, virtually

Cycling is among the most adrenaline-fuelled

every such handcycle is custom made. The

parasports, the riders start together, just as in

design depends on the difference in injuries

motocross, and it grew on Anej immediately

out as petrolheads, acquaintances call Anej the

and the level of disability of each individual

as he gained motivation and optimism from his

Slovenian Zanardi. Alex unfortunately suffered a

cyclist. There is an enormous difference if

newly chosen sport. After the accident, he told

serious accident while training last year, and Anej

you can exert the force of all the upper body

himself in no uncertain terms that he would be

hopes that he will return to racing soon and that

muscles or are only able to use the shoulder

moving forward and would not despair over his

one day he will meet his hero at a competition or

and chest muscles. The distance to the

fate, as he was well aware that the injury could

the Paralympics.

cranks and the inclination and position of the

have been even more serious. “I didn’t see

Taking part in the Olympics is the highlight of

seat also play a role, as does the length of

any other way than to keep going forward. I’ve

every athlete’s career. The honour of being able

the rider’s arms. Seat inclination is actually

always known that I’m not alone in this. When

to represent one’s country is reward enough for

extremely important, as the rider needs

I was having a hard time, I was encouraged

all the effort. Anej did not exactly plan to appear

maximum power from the shoulder tip area

by friends and family, which helped me a lot.

at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, though he did

and must be able to continue pushing the

I believe that my friends sometimes felt even

quietly hope that he would qualify, regardless of

pedals while turning, meaning that the outer

worse than I did when they saw me in the

the fact that he had just started his new career.

arm must not be too stretched out when

hospital bed. So I steeled myself and decided

He still finds it incredible that he was able to

cornering. After all the waiting and gaining

to move on, to turn over a new leaf in my life.”

make it to the Games after only two and a half

He still follows motocross and, of course, cheers for compatriot Tim Gajser, practically his peer.

In cycling, his two idols are Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, and his biggest para-cycling role model is none other than Alex Zanardi, former Formula 1 and American CART racing driver.

“When people ask me what sport I compete in, I discovered that the quickest way to explain it is to tell them, ‘the same as Alex Zanardi!’” says Anej. Perhaps because both of them started

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Story

years of para-cycling. “Ninth place at the first Olympic road race in my life is truly something I’m proud of. The coach and I were actually preparing for Paris 2024, but I somehow felt that with a little bit of luck and some good results I could get a chance to go to Tokyo.

And in the end, that’s exactly what happened!”

Motocross racing has taught him that you must never give up, that you have to believe, and that working hard always pays off. His first Paralympic Games were a dress rehearsal for Paris, where he will be aiming for a medal. This is the goal to which he has dedicated his life and training and his ambition is clear – to hang up an Olympic medal at home!

“Ninth place at the first Olympic road race in my life is truly something I’m proud of. The coach and I were actually preparing for Paris 2024, but I somehow felt that with a little bit of luck and some good results I could get a chance to go to Tokyo. And in the end, that’s exactly what happened!”

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IMAGES OF

CHANGE

Ciril Jazbec, photographer

by Bor Dobrin photography Ciril Jazbec

Saattut, Greenland, 2015 / ‘On Thin Ice’

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75

Nielsine Løvstrøm, Uummannaq, Greenland, 2015 / ‚On Thin Ice’

74

While arranging the meeting for our magazine, Ciril Jazbec simply suggests we come over to his place. A promising start I think as it is always interesting to get a peek behind the curtains of the person currently in the spotlight.

Restrained and friendly, Ciril opens the door of the family house and invites me to a pleasant, warm and quite varied studio. I notice a mixture of polished

His photos make a similar impression as well.

They are meticulously planned, meaningful and refined in their artistic expression; they accompany their stories with a tailored colour palette and a dynamic perspective. While on the subject of the world’s leading print media, I soon realise that he loves to talk the most about

terrazzo and rough concrete, accompanied by softer brick walls and warm

his favourite magazine - National Geographic.

wood. It feels like stepping into a thoughtfully furnished living room or a study

of us - completely by chance - and now that

The infatuation started much like it did for most

- the space certainly does not exude the atmosphere of a strictly controlled

childhood dream, to have his images in the

photography studio. Ciril‘s appearance and the way he talks flows along the

have passed since Ciril Jazbec, then aged 12,

same lines. Those of a photographer whose shots have been published by nearly all the leading print media in the world.

magazine, has come true. Over two decades discovered a pile of magazines sporting the famous yellow border during a visit to his aunt.

Now it seems that during that time Ciril has achieved almost everything in photography, as

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Over two decades have passed since Ciril Jazbec, then aged 12, discovered a pile of magazines sporting the famous yellow border during a visit to his aunt.

Now it seems that during that time Ciril has achieved almost everything in photography.

Phuntsok Paldan, Ladakh, India, 2019 / ‘The Ice Stupas’

Athulya Pillai, Ladakh, India, 2018 / ‘The Ice Stupas’

proven by the many recognitions and awards,

person, or the perfect light, all to make that one

drawn to documentary, socially engaged

even multiple ones for several photos. I am keen

shot that he is looking for.

photography at a very young age. So how

to learn what underlies this meteoric success,

do the two mix? Does Ciril Jazbec change

his methods and motives.

Meteoric rise

“I keep thinking about future projects, I read, I

Ciril’s rise in the field of commercial

the project he’s working on at the moment?

research,” is his succinct answer to me probing

photography was meteoric. He had quite a

As I continue evolving my train of thought,

how he gets ready for his shots, “I leave the rest

few advertising campaigns under his belt

Ciril already has an answer ready. “They do

to inspiration and time.” Time is of the essence,

after finishing secondary school, adding

and don’t mix,” he smiles softly. “I would say

he states repeatedly. Time makes the difference,

award-winning ones a few years down the

that both types of clients, the commercial

it is the vital ingredient for a truly superb

line when he started doing photography

and documentary, mainly hire me because

documentary photograph. Time that Ciril uses

professionally. Such projects helped him

of my distinctive style of photography.”

to open the doors of both houses and people.

to better understand the technical aspects

Photography is a global business. Instead

This is the only way he can establish the trust

of photography and lighting, and to hone

of words, the viewers are addressed by the

and mutual respect that is needed. The way I

the organisational skills he uses for his

artist’s images and do not need to learn a

understood him is that when he is present in the

commercial projects. He has retained his

different language, scratching language

environment he plans to document, he uses the

enthusiasm for the commercial side of

classes off their list. Still, I want to know

available time to lead him to an opportunity, a

things, but quickly points out that he was

how many foreign languages ​​does this

his artistic expression or adapt his style to

76

77 Gya, Ladakh, India, 2019 / ‘The Ice Stupas’

Photography is a global business. Instead of words, the viewers are addressed by the artist‘s images and do not need to learn a different language, scratching language classes off their list.

Greenlandic dogs, Greenland, 2014 / ‘On Thin Ice’

Moving images say more than stills

communities are severely affected by these

“Unfortunately, just one and a half, but I seem to be able to convince people

Every time I want to probe deeper into

there clearly and insightfully. “I’ve seen the

and gain their trust with my personality

Ciril’s layers of thought and get to the core

changes, unfortunately for the worse, with

even if there is a language barrier,” is the

of his photographic essence, he turns the

my own eyes over all these years. To keep

ready answer. He clearly stresses that

answer towards explaining his past, current

shouting about it is like leaning against

photography is a universal language which

and future documentary projects and their

windmills. I am however pleased to see that

is understood everywhere, although he

messages. He talks less about photography

the young think differently!” This is Ciril’s

agrees that there are differences in how

and more about the critical lack of snow

important train - his persistence and belief

it is perceived around the globe. Another

in the Alps, the perilous disappearance

that what he is communicating to the public

fruitful avenue to explore, so I inquire more

of Greenland’s ice sheets and the sinking

is extremely important. He also believes that

about the diversity and universality of the

Kiribati archipelago. Indeed, it was the

he has at least some amount of influence.

language of photography. “Some perceive

images of Kiribati that had opened wide

This train of thought has increasingly drawn

it more superficially, others can penetrate

the doors to the world of documentary

him towards moving images. “It is possible to

into its depths,” he states. “It is when an

photography. Rather than talk about himself,

express more with them,” he says and is as

image is misused for a specific purpose

Ciril prefers to discuss the rapidly changing

a consequence increasingly active in video

that various interpretations and perceptions

climate all over the world. He likes returning

production, including directing. “You can tell

of photography occur.”

most to the places where people and

much more with a moving image than with

global master of photography speak?

changes and he details his experience

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Rather than talk about himself, Ciril prefers to discuss the rapidly changing climate all over the world. He likes returning most to the places where people and communities are severely affected by these changes.

Rina Mathew with her son, South Tarawa, Kiribati, 2011 / ‘Kiribati is Gone’

Samburu women, The Samburu National Reserve, Kenya, 2016 / ‚Africa’s Tech Revolution’

a still,” he believes. “It’s also important to

Keeping the essence veiled

therefore bring about change in a timely manner.

reach young viewers, whose attention span

The quality of Ciril’s photography makes it an

On the other hand, Ciril never fully uncovered

in media consumption has been significantly

exceptional visual snapshot of past events and

shortened compared to the generations that

states, but I am also inclined to believe that

came before them.”

his images will help to clarify some things and

the veil hiding the essence of his photography and I would venture to say that he leaves it to the observers and the viewers to discover it, layer by layer, through his work.

// Si

Fotograf Ciril Jazbec Ciril Jazbec je dokumentarni fotograf, rojen v Sloveniji leta 1987. Svoj talent do fotografiranja je izkazoval že v srednješolskih letih. Po končani Ekonomski gimnaziji je dodiplomski študij opravil na Ekonomski fakulteti na Univerzi v Ljubljani in študij nadaljeval v Londonu, kjer je končal magistrski študij fotoreporterstva in dokumentarne fotografije na fakulteti London College of Communication. Njegove izdelke so objavili že skoraj vsi vodilni tiskani mediji na svetu. Skrbno načrtovane, tehtne fotografije, izčiščene v svojem likovnem izrazu, dajejo zgodbi prilagojeno in izbrano paleto barv in dinamike pogleda. Ko govoriva o teh vodilnih svetovnih tiskanih medijih, kmalu spoznam, da najraje govori o svoji najljubši reviji – National Geographicu. Začelo se je po naključju. Ko je bil star 12 let, je pri svoji teti odkril kup revij z znamenitim rumenim robom. Medtem je minilo več kot dvajset let in zdi se, da je v fotografiji dosegel skoraj vse. Veliko priznanj, nagrad, nekatere med fotografijami so bile nagrajene tudi večkrat. »Ves čas premišljujem o naslednjih projektih, berem, raziskujem. Preostalo prepustim navdihu in času,« odgovori na vprašanje o pripravi na fotografiranje.

Photo: Primož Lukežič

78

H ig h G e ar

High Gear

78

All good things must come to an end

No more 46 on the grid So, that’s it. There is no more 46 on the grid.

A run of racing since March 1996 all the way through to today is quite incredible. 26 years, 432 Grands Prix races, 9 world championship titles in 125, 250, 500 and MotoGP from 16 to 42 years of age is one helluva run that I still can’t get my head around, but, as the English saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” Rossi didn’t quite single-handedly make MotoGP a much bigger sport than it was, but he was on the right crest of the right wave at the right time once Grand Prix went from twoto four-stroke MotoGP in 2002, and brought with it more manufacturers with Formula 1 engine tech than were already there. Rossi was and still is charismatic, a winner with grace and style rather than a metronomic winning machine who smiles and leaves the podium. And he is someone who connected to people in a way never before seen in motorsport. TV stations wanted their part in the Rossi effect and it just spiralled upwards from there.

I hate the expression that someone is bigger than their sport, but in this case it applies perfectly, with fans flocking trackside to see their hero, get a glimpse of him in the paddock or even an autograph – he really was very good at looking after them. I’ll never forget the girls screaming for their idol at the top of their lungs at Mugello only to realise there were men in there too – former Formula 1 driver Pierluigi Martini included – doing the same.

There was something that the Rossi effect had on so many.

Will MotoGP be different without him? Of course it will be, but in a slow gradual way after his struggles over the past two seasons.

It hasn’t been a hard stop of a retirement or having been stopped through injury, so at least this “farewell tour” has been fun, as he is and should remain the true King of MotoGP for a while yet, no matter who comes in to try and steal the crown that the fans, rather than the record books, bestow upon the riders. The Sky Racing Team VR46 structure in place is a soft landing out of racing, that will see him still racing from the garage with his VR46 Riders Academy, so he’s still around – but he may well be a bit longer in bed in the morning as alarm calls were never his thing.

Also waving goodbye is Tony Cairoli, who is stepping down from MX after a stellar career that, like Rossi’s, included nine world titles and mirrored the commitment and the drive behind racing at the highest level. Another name that transcended the sport, perhaps not quite to Rossi levels but still familiar to anyone who knew motorsport. Chaz Davies also called it a day in September this year after racing from 125cc and through the ranks to win 32 WorldSBK races for BMW, Ducati and Aprilia, finishing in that frustrating second in the championship three times.

All of these riders can hold their heads up high in the knowledge that they climbed their Everest, made a very healthy living and had a whole lotta fun along the way, and that’s probably no bad thing in this or any other day and age.

The article here does not necessarily correspond with the opinions of Akrapovič d. d., the publishers or the editors.

by Toby Moody illustration Natan Esku

What many fans have also come to realise more and more is the effect of “I was there” and “I saw that race”. Even though we are saturated with the digital world where everything can be seen within seconds through a TV screen, many have made their pilgrimage to see the heroes of motorsport before they stopped racing. Dads and lads have gone out of their way to be able to say “I saw Valentino Rossi race”, and no matter where he finished they were there to see it, and I do think that’s pretty cool – so do go and see a Lewis Hamilton or a Max Verstappen or the last of these WRC cars before they have a rule change. Get yourself somehow to Monaco, Pikes Peak, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Monza Formula 1, Bathurst or the Indy 500 so you can see it all, but most of all feel it all on the day, because the passion on race day is what all the heroes of the sport have, even if they retire.

Rossi didn’t quite single-handedly make MotoGP a much bigger sport than it was, but he was on the right crest of the right wave at the right time.

Toby Moody International motorsport TV broadcaster for both two wheels and four, having commentated on motor sport for 21 years.

Follow @tobymoody / Twitter and Instagram

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THE SOUND OF PASSION