Cancer in the headwind
On August 27, the "race against cancer" took place on the Gotthard Pass - despite the wind, rain, snow and tumors. 160 cyclists and 60 hikers set an impressive example against the disease, which is diagnosed in one in two Swiss men and women in the course of their lives. Thanks to their sporting commitment, around a quarter of a million francs were raised.
The night before the race, there was a bad storm with thunder, lightning, hail and snow," says organizer Markus Aerni. "I got up at four in the morning and looked to see what of our equipment was still standing: the start and finish had been blown away." The race was actually supposed to start at 7 am. Due to the foehn storm, the start was initially postponed to 8 a.m., but the course was finally opened at 9 a.m. as far as Motta Bartola. It was not fully passable until midday. "In the morning, the road was still full of stones and sticks, and there was snow on the Tremola," reports Aerni.
Bite through 2011
The organizers and participants of the anti-cancer race had certainly wished for better weather - but somehow Peter's caprices suited the occasion. For cancer sufferers and their families, constant ups and downs are part of everyday life: after glimmers of hope, there are setbacks, and before the next setback, there is hope of recovery. The motto "Never give up" was underlined not only by the repeated approach to the Gotthard between Airolo and the top of the pass, but also by the sticks and stones, snow, wind and rain that repeatedly demanded courage, perseverance and tenacious fighting spirit from cyclists and hikers - and could be understood as a metaphor for the united fight against cancer.
The adverse conditions brought everyone together: Cyclists, hikers and helpers waited together in a tent for the start of the race. "There was a strong sense of cohesion," says Aerni. "At 9 o'clock, everyone raced off like young foals, a very emotional moment." Disabled athlete Heinz Frei, who rode up the Gotthard on his handbike, also reported strong feelings: "From the very beginning, you could feel that a kind of community of destiny had come together here to show solidarity for a better future for cancer patients. I had a chance encounter with a gentleman who was carrying a photo of his wife, who had recently died of cancer, on the handlebars of his bike. 'For you' was written on it - an incredibly powerful moment from an even stronger person, who was probably coping with his grief, but also drawing new strength."
Take off 2012
Even though only 160 of the 200 registered cyclists and 60 of the 80 walkers took part due to the weather, Markus Aerni estimates that the entry fees and donations from cyclists and walkers raised the impressive sum of around a quarter of a million francs for cancer research and support for cancer patients in financial need. Because the cycling teams still have until the end of September to pay in their lap money, the exact proceeds will not be known for another month. As in the previous year, many celebrities took part in the "race against cancer" in 2011: Ariella Kaeslin and Bruno Kernen, Tony Rominger and Beat Zberg, Robert Dill-Bundi and Doughua Li. Nella Martinetti, who recently died of cancer and had also wanted to support the event, was remembered in a speech. Aerni: "The 'race against cancer 2011' was a great event, we achieved our goals and are already looking forward to the 2012 race." You can already register for the race at www.cancerrace.ch. Anne-Friederike Heinrich
