From an early stage, Gottschalk is a supporter and promoter of competitive cycling. Himself an active member of various cycling clubs, he becomes an advocate, sponsor and advertising patron of European cycling. And just as is usual today, products designed for sports find a market in everyday life. Spurred on by success in competitive cycling, the Rotax hub quickly becomes the hallmark of reliability. At road races, on road and mountain tours and at the popular road reliability tests, Rotax riders occupy the top ranks. By the end of the World War, Rotax is already known as the “most reliable, never-failing and powerful brake in the world.” (Bicycle and Motor Vehicle, 12/25/1918)

Especially in the road reliability tests i.e. long distance races, Gottschalk’s invention proves indestructible. Franz Suter wins Germany's most difficult road race in a record time of 23 hours and 18 minutes. Thanks to the Rotax components, Jean Rosellen also holds his own and takes victory in long-distance races including Vienna-Berlin and Basel-Cleve. Covering distances of 600 and 620 km respectively in this context, Rotax hubs prove the most reliable, guaranteeing their worldwide reputation.