Skip to content

Rapid Response Team: Reutlingen's Firefighters Set Speed Record

At this year's Reutlingen Wine Festival, the champion in the 400-litre barrel-rolling event was none other than a local firefighter, outperforming the previous favorite from Aarau who had to settle for the runner-up spot.

Rapid Response Team: Reutlinger Firefighters Lead in Speedy Response Times
Rapid Response Team: Reutlinger Firefighters Lead in Speedy Response Times

Rapid Response Team: Reutlingen's Firefighters Set Speed Record

The 38th Reutlingen Autumn was filled with excitement as spectators gathered to witness the thrilling barrel rolling competition. Marcus Vohrer, the event's host, announced the start of the competition around 6:45 pm.

Before the competition began, Vohrer explained the rules to the eager crowd. The goal was simple: to roll a Barrique barrel from top to bottom, balancing it around a second barrel, and empty a tenth of a glass of wine standing there before reaching the finish line. The competition could be done one- or two-handed, requiring participants to have a good pull.

Despite the uncertain weather, the rain started to pour heavily before the competition. However, the slippery cobblestones did little to dampen the spirits of the spectators. A rainbow appeared over the wine village, adding a touch of magic to the event.

The cry of "Don't forget to drink!" could be heard again and again, reminding participants of the essential part of the competition.

The competition featured 16 participants, representing the Reutlingen fire department, the Aarau fire department, the Reutlingen police, and the wine village innkeepers.

Steffen Urban, a Reutlingen fire department colleague, set the best individual time this year with an impressive 30.83 seconds. Maximilian Krohmer, another Reutlingen fire department member, came in second with a time of 30.99 seconds.

Silvio Müller, the Aarau favorite and current individual winner, came in third with a time of 31.14 seconds. Despite finishing third, Müller was enthusiastically cheered on by the fans, regardless of their team or nationality.

The team competition was once again won by the Aarau guests. The Schwörstadt team, representing the Aarau fire department, took the victory.

Armin Fritz from the Reutlingen fire department served as the timekeeper, and his impartiality was praised by the deputy commander, Frank Wittel. Fritz was commended for his professionalism and fairness throughout the competition.

Despite the rain and the slippery cobblestones, the mood among the spectators was excellent. The fans enthusiastically cheered on the barrel rollers, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. The 38th Reutlingen Autumn will certainly be remembered as a successful and entertaining event.

Read also: