Myths and legends of Milan–Munich
Cheers — and at once the shadow
On 11–12 June 1894, Josef Fischer (Munich) wins the Milan–Munich long-distance ride in 29:32:30. Max Reheis (Wasserburg) follows about 1½ hours later. The press celebrates the “alpine ride” — but while the laurel wreaths still hang, the gravest accusation that could be made at the time circulates: “being towed”. Along the route between Oberaudorf – Rosenheim – Ostermünchen spectators claim to have seen a rope between riders; and shoulder pushes are alleged.
The protest — and a strange “yes, but”
Reheis lodges an official protest. The Schiedsgericht of the race (chaired by Wilh. Schwaiger) assesses on 7 July 1894 the submitted statements (among them the innkeeper/server in Oberflintsbach, border and road wardens, villagers). The upshot:- Statements suggesting “towing” — accepted.
- Counter-statements from the official posts and Fischer’s pacemaker — also accepted.
- Formal knock-out: Reheis’ protest came too late (he had already accepted the 2nd prize), so it was rejected – Fischer remains the winner.
The duel moves to court
The dispute escalates on both sides:- Fischer telegraphs the Munich sports committee on 2 July that Reheis had himself towed over the Brenner — without proof. Before the Munich district court (28 Nov 1894) Fischer withdraws the claim “in good faith, but unprovable”; settlement reached, costs shared. Applause in the packed sports hall.
- Reheis sues the Neue Münchener Tageblatt for defamation (it had supported Fischer’s view based on the pacemaker’s testimony and the jury’s ruling). Verdict: the responsible editor is convicted and fined 150 Mark (alternatively 15 days’ imprisonment); Reheis is acquitted and entitled to publish the verdict in the paper and in the Deutschen Radfahrer-Bund (an appeal is announced).
