Upcoming tram champ to spearhead D-car world title contender
Revised Article:
Wanna hit the tracks like a pro? Two Vienna tram drivers might just do that at the upcoming Tram World Championship! Meet Elisabeth Urbanitsch, a sigh-worthy 48-year-old Viennese who's more than qualified to steal the show. With a steamy past as a lift girl at the Donauturm, she's now ready to drive line D like a boss, especially on Porzellangasse, with its iconic historic buildings.
Urbanitsch has won over 100 applicants and 40 drivers who made it to the qualifiers, securing her spot as Austria's representative alongside Florijan Isaku at the inaugural event. These tram powerhouses aim to bring home the gold, as Urbanitsch puts it, "to sweep the competition away."
The competition takes place on September 13 in Vienna's Ring, a fitting location considering it's the city's 160th birthday celebration for the tram. And as if that weren't cool enough, the Viennese Lines have some exciting surprises in store!
So, what does it take to drive a tram to world-class greatness? Certainly more than just hopping on and going for a spin. Urbanitsch and Isaku, both of whom are skilled "training drivers," emphasize the importance of thorough training to master the delicate art of tram driving.
The disciplines for the competition are yet to be finalized, but they're sure to include orchestrating a steady speed, precise stops, and unparalleled target braking – skills every tram driver should have in their tool belt.
But it's not just Urbanitsch and Isaku who'll be eyeing that coveted crown. Other cities, including Berlin and Leipzig (Germany), Casablanca (Morocco), Melbourne (Australia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), San Diego (USA), and Hong Kong (China), will be fielding their best duos. And even a duo from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv will try their hand at the competition, a small respite from the harsh realities of their ongoing war.
Incidentally, Austrian trams will be the steeds of choice for all participants, who'll have the opportunity to test-drive Wiener trams ahead of the event. Kudos to these world-class drivers, as expert tram driving isn't a skill you can pick up on the fly!
From the world-class, laid-back attitudes of our potential champions to the intricate network of tram lines crisscrossing Vienna, there's no doubt that Viennese tram drivers always deliver elegance and finesse. After all, the Viennese Lines operate the sixth-largest tram network on the planet, catering to over 260,000 commuters during peak times.
One final note: You may have noticed an occasional shaky ride or an off-kilter stop on your commute, but fear not – less than 20% of Vienna's tram drivers are women, and Urbanitsch insists that the overall driving skills among the drivers are top-notch. Here's wishing these two Viennese champions the very best of luck in their pursuit of world-class glory!
Elisabeth Urbanitsch, the Viennese tram driver, will compete in the Tram World Championship alongside Florijan Isaku, aiming to demonstrate their mastery of sports such as steady speed, precise stops, and target braking. Other participating cities, including Berlin and Leipzig, Casablanca, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, San Diego, Hong Kong, and Kyiv, will similarly send their best drivers. Urbanitsch and Isaku will be using Austrian trams, which they will have an opportunity to test-drive before the competition.
