Winner has been determined

Race for the favor of the virgin

The Kranzelreiten took place for the 457th time this year.(Bild: Uta Rojsek-Wiedergut)

Gurktal in the year 1567: The plague has killed everyone in the valley. All except the maiden from the Thurnhof and three sons of the burghers of Weitensfeld. The race to see who gets the maiden as their bride is a tradition today.

The custom of vying for the virgin's favor has survived in Weitensfeld to this day. On Whit Monday, the traditional wreath ride and subsequent run take place. And so it was Simon Reinsperger (19), Kevin Janz (16) and Daniel Sperl (19) who took part in the race. In the end, Kevin Janz came out on top and planted a kiss on the stone maiden.

Kevin Janz prevailed against his opponents and was allowed to kiss the stone maiden.(Bild: Uta Rojsek-Wiedergut)

The Kranzelreiten is always an impressive event.(Bild: Uta Rojsek-Wiedergut)

Kevin Janz (right) and his opponents Simon Reinsperger and Daniel Sperl.(Bild: Julius Steindorfer)

The three young men at the start.(Bild: Uta Rojsek-Wiedergut)

The Kranzelreiten was held for the 457th time this year and once again attracted thousands of visitors to Weitensfeld, who enjoyed the supporting program and the culinary delights.