The International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) and the Schleizer Dreieck—together, they make for a seasonal highlight throughout the entire region. When an estimated 30,000 fans flock to the track from July 22 to 24, it’s party time in Thuringia. The temporary racetrack is Germany’s oldest street circuit. Anyone familiar with the “Buchhübel” who’s opened the throttle in the “Seng” also gets to experience nature at its finest. The paddock is largely set up on a green field. To this day, the Schleizer Dreieck blends modernity with a generous dash of nostalgia.
Julian Puffe lives in the heart of Schleiz. The racetrack is practically “Puffe Country.” The local hero has made it all the way to the premier class in the IDM and has already secured two podium finishes for Team GERT56 this year. Can the 26-year-old BMW rider make it onto the podium on his home track just like he did at the season opener at the Lausitzring? Or is a first win of the season even within reach for the rider currently ranked fifth overall? He can’t say for sure. “That’s difficult. Markus Reiterberger is currently the strongest rider in the field, and my lap times haven’t quite matched his so far. And he really loves the Schleizer Dreieck, too. I don’t have an advantage on the track, even though I live here. After all, the course is otherwise part of the public road network. So I can’t do any extra training.” Puffe wants to give it his all. “Of course, the home race is something very special for me. The sponsors are coming, the whole family is there, and there’s a lot more going on and to do than usual.”
Markus Reiterberger (BCC-alpha-Van Zon-BMW), who set the lap record at the Schleizer Dreieck in 2013 and is a fan favorite, arrives in Schleiz with a 67-point lead in the overall standings. His closest rivals are Florian Alt (Wilbers-BMW) and Toni Finsterbusch (GERT56).