On this 4th of July 1948, the Italian city of Treviso mourns one of its own. Nothing can erase the grief of the thousands of enthusiasts who came to accompany 'il diavolo nero' (the black devil) on his final journey. Although it still seems hard to believe, Omobono Tenni is dead. A motorcycle racer, an ace of the interwar period, has passed away. The fault of a tragic accident, which occurred on one of the darkest tracks in all of history. His name: Bremgarten.
Information about it is extremely rare, as if hidden. However, Bremgarten was indeed a very important European circuit during the 1940s and 1950s. The story takes us to Switzerland, and more precisely to the northern suburbs of Bern, BethlehemIt was on the roads of this apparently rather quiet district that the Swiss Grand Prix took place. there is more than 70 years.
Founded in 1931 to accommodate two-wheelers, Bremgarten quickly established itself as a must-see circuit in Europe. The lack of real straights coupled with the trees adjoining the track made it difficult to master, but enjoyable. After World War II, it continued to attract crowds as well as top-class pilots.It was therefore natural that he was selected by the FIM for the first season of the motorcycle world championship, held in 1949.
Here is the outline.
Bremgarten had nothing to be ashamed of compared to Monza, Assen or Spa-Francorchamps, other tracks used by the world championship that year. Scheduled for the weekend of July 3, the Swiss round is therefore the second race in the history of the motorcycle Grand Prix. For the occasion, the future world champion Leslie Graham – on AJS – made short work of the 500cc race and increased his lead over his rival Nello pagani.
Absent from the calendar in 1950, Bremgarten made its grand return the following year to the great delight of Fergus Anderson, winner in 500cc. Until 1954, only British riders found the key to taming the fast curves crisscrossing the Bremgartenwald. Jack Brett and Geoff Duke being the last winners in the premier class.
Then nothing. After the terrible accident involving 87 dead occurred at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, no more motorcycle competitions were organized in Switzerland. It is one of the only European countries not to have a permanent FIA/FIM approved circuit, much to the dismay of the residents of the capital.
Tenni's turn.
Instantly, the site fell into disuse. Shunned by the authorities, time took its toll. The characteristic asphalt and cobblestones were removed, in favor of wide national roads and a campsite. Nothing remains of Bremgarten. Many Bernese people do not know that Formula 1 and the Grand Prix Motorcycles passed through their roads less than a century ago. Information on the said route is difficult to find, so much so that a visit was necessary..
Nothing has been done to preserve this jewel, nestled in the middle of the woods. The installation of a commemorative plaque could undoubtedly honor those who lost their lives there. Thousands of people who hoped to have fun, for a weekend, while drinking in the mystical properties entrusted to the poetics 'Glass Fountain', located in the middle of the forest.
The destruction and lack of maintenance of heritage is quite a shame, it must be acknowledged. If it were not for the initiative of a few enthusiasts, other vestiges of motorcycling and automobile sport would perish in this way. Bremgarten was, Bremgarten is no more. Today it is not too late and we can only hope: souls have all eternity to be honored.
Did you know about this very unusual route? Tell me in the comments!
The GPs in 1951, a whole different world. Safety? Not the main concern… Photo: ANEFO
