The treacherous Bartelds Corner
The bend by farmer Bartelds’ farmhouse was one of the most treacherous and notorious sections of the old TT circuit. Many riders crashed out at this corner, which earned it a legendary status. On the street circuit from 1926 to 1954, riders such as Piet van Wijngaarden, Geert Timmer, Tim Hunt, and Umberto Masetti made their names.
The increasing speed and power of motorcycles eventually made the street circuit too dangerous. Consequently, in 1955 the circuit was made safer, and this corner, along with other iconic locations like the Oude Tol in Hooghalen, Laaghalen, and Laaghalerveen, was removed from the course. Although there was nostalgia for the end of this street circuit, fans eagerly anticipated the future on the brand-new TT Circuit in Assen, where new heroes would be born and old legends would race one last time.