An Austrian tram driver has been crowned the champion of the inaugural Tram Driver World Championship, held recently in Vienna.
Operators journeyed from cities including Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and San Diego, converging in the Austrian capital to demonstrate their tram-handling expertise before a crowd of thousands.
The competition featured drivers navigating a series of tram-centric challenges, including unconventional tasks like bowling and curling using the transit vehicles.
Organizers reported that the event, which commemorated 160 years of tram service in Vienna, drew thousands of spectators.
The Austrian team outperformed competitors, including the reigning European champions from Budapest, who, despite initial promise, finished in fourth place.
In total, 25 teams from across the globe contended on a 250-meter course.
The tram-driving professionals were evaluated on their proficiency in operating the vehicles across eight distinct challenges, emphasizing skills such as smooth braking and acceleration.
One trial involved a bowl of water affixed to the front of the tram, requiring drivers to brake with precision to minimize spillage.
Another challenge, “tram curling,” tasked drivers with propelling a bicycle trolley to a designated spot with accuracy.
Tram bowling, where participants used a large ball to knock down inflatable pins, proved to be a particularly popular event.
While Austria secured the top position, Poland was awarded second place, followed by Norway in third, with Croatia finishing last.
Florijan Isaku, the Austrian competitor, expressed feeling “overwhelmed” and “speechless” upon winning on home soil.
“It’s just great,” he stated, referring to Vienna’s public transport operator, Weiner Linien, as “a family.”
However, the competition was a setback for Hungary, highlighting that speed alone is not sufficient for victory.
“Curling was the most challenging task for me, and I didn’t really succeed as I would have liked,” European champion Krisztina Schneider told AFP.
“I thought my speed would be enough, but in the end, it wasn’t.”
The European championships for the coming year are scheduled to be held in Warsaw, Poland.
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