Myths and legends of Milan–Munich
Cheers — and at once the shadow
Am 11–12 June 1894 wins Josef Fischer (Munich) the Milan–Munich long-distance ride in 29:32:30. Max Reheis (Wasserburg) folgt rund 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 late (he had accepted the 2nd prize), so it was rejected – Fischer bleibt Sieger.
The duel moves to court
The dispute escalates on both sides:- Fischer telegraphs on 2 July the Munich sports committee, Reheis had himself towed over the Brenner — ohne Beweis. Before the Munich district court (28 Nov 1894) Fischer withdraws the claim “in good faith, but unprovable” ; settlement, Kosten geteilt. 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: Verurteilung the responsible editor to 150 Mark (ersatzweise 15 Tage Haft); Reheis freigesprochen and entitled to publish the verdict in the paper and in the Deutschen Radfahrer-Bund (Berufung is announced).
