European Championship on natural ice in Austria
For the third time after 1988 and 2005, Steuerberg on Lake Goggausee in Austria hosted the European Championships in the distance competition. A winter wonderland with snow, blue sky and fantastic ice conditions was served for 68 athletes from five nations. 500 enthusiastic spectators created a great atmosphere along the 300 meter long natural ice rink on the lake. Due to the mild temperatures, the schedule was adjusted and the final competitions were set for around noon – the best conditions for a “distance hunt” beyond 250m.
Gold for Michael Späth with 280 meter
In the men’s competition, a brilliant performance by Michael Späth of Germany. With an incredible attempt of 280 meter, he wins gold ahead of Austrian Peter Neubauer. His teammate Peter Rottmoser takes bronze.
Kathleen Neumayer European Champion
A double victory for Germany in the women’s event. Kathleen Neumayer wins with a distance of 166.52m, ahead of her teammate Annalena Leitner (161.17m). The youngster from the Austrian team, Kerstin Fischerauer, comes in third. The 16-year-old Styrian sensationally wins bronze in her first international competition and saves Austria’s honor in the women’s event.
Team events go to Austria – triple success for Germany in the mixed competition
With two gold medals in the men’s and women’s team events, the Austrians got off to a perfect start at the European Championships on their home ground at Goggausee in Carinthia on the first day of the European Championships.
The team mixed competition in head-to-head knockout format was firmly in German hands. Gold, silver and bronze at the end for the outstanding German team this weekend.
Women’s single
1. Neumayer Kathleen GER 166.52m
2. Leitner Annalena GER 161.17m
3. Fischerauer Kerstin AUT 156.22m
Men’s single
1. Späth Michael GER 280.00m
2. Neubauer Peter AUT 274.81m
3. Rottmoser Peter GER 273.88m
Women’s Team
1. Austria AUT 358.39m
2. Germany AUT 337.57m
3. Italy AUT 323.38m
Men’s Team
1. Austria AUT 622.07m
2. Germany AUT 607.90m
3. Italy AUT 533.34m
Team Mixed
1. GER 3 Annalena Leitner, Alexander Anzinger
2. GER 2 Katleen Neumayer, Peter Rottmoser
3. GER 1 Sabrina Englbrecht, Michael Späth
