Tom Lüthi becomes 125 cc motorcycle world champion

memorable

November 6, 2005: Switzerland once again has a motorcycle world champion, 20 years after Stefan Dörflinger. Tom Lüthi took victory in the 125cc class and was celebrated across the country as the new poster boy.

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State of emergency in the Belgian city of Linden: At 10 am on Sunday, strange activity was already taking place in Emmental, a village of 1,300 people. Motorbikes, cars and cars clogged the streets as hundreds of motorcycle fans were already waiting in front of the festival tents to get in. They all came to support Tom Rousey's first world championship.

The 19-year-old arrived at the starting point some 1,300 kilometers southwest. At the Valencian Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, Lüthi needs to finish at least 13th to overtake rival Mikka Kallio in the World Championship standings and become the third Swiss solo rider after Stefan Dörflinger 20 years ago World Champion.

All of Lynden is excited for Tom Rousey this Sunday. Image: KEYSTONE

It's a feasible task, after all Ruti has won four times this season and has been on the podium eight times in total. Tensions were still building in Linden, which at first was as quiet as a rat in a tent.

Tom Lüthi, on the other hand, is a cool dog. “I just have to stay focused and calm and then it will work,” he said ahead of the biggest game of his career. The Bernese started from fourth but cautiously. He soon had to abandon his plans to lead from the beginning.

Tom Lüthi on his Honda.Image: KEYSTONE

Lüthi came out front and had a controlled race. Lyndon's emotions were running high. The Swiss flag flew, cowbells rang, and more than 2,500 people chanted: “Tom jump, Tom jump!” The tremors were gradually replaced by certainty: “He's going to make it.”

Lüthi's joy on the last lap

Not even a sudden brake problem could stop the farm boy. «The rear wheel jammed slightly and braked slightly. I noticed it, but it didn't bother me too much,” Luti said later. The tension lasted until the final lap, and then the pilot's joy faded away. “In fact, the race is not complete until you cross the finish line. Finish. With half a lap left I was already happy for the world championship. »

The Swiss flag is placed on the lap of honor.Image source: EPA EFE

Luti eventually crossed the finish line in ninth place—and he did. «I still can’t believe what happened. The night of the race I was more tired than ever. Luckily my parents are also in Valencia. I would never have become a world champion without them. “

Luti finished with 242 points, five more than rival Kallio. As the newly minted world champion took a lap under the Swiss flag and received his golden helmet, Linden's champagne cork popped. Fans hugged each other. “DeTom is just a horny sicko,” the young girls shouted into reporters' microphones.

Tom Lüthi doesn’t have time to celebrate yet. He rushed from one interview to the next, posing for photos with MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi and 250cc world champion Dani Pedrosa. An hour and a half after the game, TV reporter Sasha Rufo's phone rang. Federal President Samuel Schmid wanted to speak to the world champion.

Three 2005 world champions: Tom Rousey, Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa (left to right).Image: KEYSTONE

“Grüessech,” Lüthi said politely. The Sports Minister congratulated Tom on his clever driving style and told him how excited he was to be in front of the TV. “Then he told me the name and said 'I'm Dr. Samuel's.'” As they slowly wrapped up the festival in Linden on Sunday, Tom Rousey could finally enjoy his victory. He celebrated the title with the team in a “complex sports culture”.

The Tom Lüthi reception at Zurich Airport is huge.Image: KEYSTONE

Over the next few days, the 19-year-old's excitement could not be greater. When Rudy returns, he will receive a grand reception at Zurich's Zurich Zurich Airport. The hearts of the Swiss are completely captivated by the lovely Emmental wine. “Weltwoche” also knows why:

linden's next party

There's another big event awaiting Tom Luti, who will be named Athlete of the Year ahead of Wimbledon and US Open champion Roger Federer a week before Christmas. In his hometown, the residents held another grand festival.

Roger Federer congratulates Tom Rousey on winning Athlete of the Year election.Image: PHOTOPRESS

Luti and Simon Nigli-Rudd.Image: PHOTOPRESS

Lyndon is celebrating: In the middle of it all is “Dr. Samuel” (third from right).Image: KEYSTONE

Some 4,000 fans, Swiss motorcycle heroes Luigi Taveri, Stefan Dörflinger, Jacques Cornu and federal MP Samuel Schmid came to congratulate Switzerland's new poster boy on winning this title. A week after the Valencia game, when Luti walked into the marquee, there was a huge cheer. On the Emmental River, night turns to day: a state of emergency is imposed in the Belgian city of Linden.

The results of Europe's top leagues are clear from the weekend.

Freiburg played out a goalless draw against Mainz 05 on Sunday. This leaves the top six home teams and Mainz just a few points away from the relegation places. While Bruno Ogbus and John Manzembe were not in Freiburg's squad, Mainz captain Sylvain Widmer once again came on late in the game.