2000 Cabrio Does not initially start, Radio Safe, Clock 1200

Please advise on troubleshooting this problem.
2000 VW Cabrio, ABA engine. When first depress clutch and turn ignition switch to START, the following occurs;
Flashers seem to come on for just a second,
radio goes to SAFE,
clock goes to 1200,
odometer resets to zero.
Then, try again, and engine starts.

We can reset radio, clock, odometer without problems. However, this situation seems to be worsening. It started happening happening maybe once a month; now it seems like it's almost every time you try to start the car.

Is there maybe a switch on the clutch pedal or slave cylinder that is getting loose and I need to replace it?

Thanks in advance for your help!