Carmen Thurner is working in Klobenstein this weekend. © Tobias Unterhofer / Klaus Köcher

The young speed skaters are in the spotlight

On Saturday and Sunday, the Junior Italian Championships in the sprint four-event and mass start with 110 participants will take place at the artificial ice rink in Klobenstein.

09 January 2025

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Starting this weekend, the world's fastest outdoor track in the Arena Ritten will be the home of young speed skaters for four weeks. Three weeks before the two season highlights, the Junior and Neo-Senior World Cup finals on February 4st and 3nd and the Junior World Championships from February 1th to 2th, the Junior Italian Championships in the Sprint Four-way and Mass Start will be held in Klobenstein. The race starts on Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 9 a.m.

At the Junior Italian Championships in the Sprint Four-Event and Mass Start, Italy's best young speed skating talents will meet to compete in one of the most important national competitions. With 110 participants, including 16 athletes from Ritten Sport, the event promises thrilling competitions and top sporting performances.

Miriam Steiner starts with the U14 girls. © Klaus Köcher

In the U20, U18 and U16 categories, the 500 m and 1000 m are on the program on Saturday and Sunday. The youngest participants in the U14 category, on the other hand, will compete in 300 m and 500 m on both days. The highlight of the weekend will undoubtedly be the 10-lap mass start on Sunday, which is only held for the older categories and often causes surprises.

The coach of Ritten Sport, Nicola Mayr, sees great chances for podium places, especially in the U14 girls category. The young runners, Mariasole Nolli, Miriam Steiner and Sonja Ploner, are among the strongest in their age group and could bring the Ritten team onto the podium several times. Therefore, Nicola Mayr expects at least 2 medals for her team.

Laura Rathiens in action. © Klaus Köcher

Laura Maccagnola is also considered a possible surprise in the U16, while Andrea Iuliani should put in a good performance with his strength and experience, but will face strong competition in the U16. The two older athletes from Ritten Sport, Carmen Thurner and Laura Rathiens, are not expected to be in top form due to health problems.

Finally, four athletes from Ritten Sport will compete in the mass start: Carmen Thurner, Mark Goldin, Laura Maccagnola and Andrea Iuliani. Coach Nicola Mayr explains: "The mass start remains a highlight that always provides unexpected twists and turns and keeps the result open until the end." Carmen Thurner, one of the team's most experienced runners, is going into the race in poor health. Nevertheless, she wants to give it her all and convince with her fighting spirit, even if the competition in her category is strong.