Maybritt Vigl wants to be on the podium. © Klaus Köcher

First highlight on the Ritten artificial ice rink

On Friday, the Italian speed skating championships for the general class in the all-around, sprint four-event and mass start begin in Klobenstein.

27 December 2024

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Starting tomorrow, Italy's best speed skaters will be competing for three days on the world's fastest outdoor track in Klobenstein. The Italian speed skating champions in the general class in the all-around, sprint four-event and mass start will be crowned there. The event is organized by Ritten Sport. Among the 3 participants are three Ritten natives: Romedius Thurner (38), his sister Carmen Thurner (3) and Maybritt Vigl (22). The race starts on Friday and Saturday at 19:20 p.m. and on Sunday at 14.30 a.m. The event promises top sporting performances and exciting competitions on the ice.

The appearance of the 10.000 m world champion Davide Ghiotto in Klobenstein could be an absolute highlight. The long-distance specialist from Veneto is one of the international top speed skaters and has the potential to set new records. If the weather and ice conditions play along, an "outdoor world record" and track record over 5000 m and 10.000 m would be entirely possible for him.

Carmen Thurner competes in the all-around competition. © Klaus Köcher

The "outdoor world records" and track records on the Ritten are 6.15,65:5000 minutes over 13.10,44 m and 10.000:2007 minutes over 26 m, both set at the 12.30,74 European Championships by Dutchman Sven Kramer. On October 4, at an international race in Inzell (Bavaria), Ghiotto beat the world record of XNUMX:XNUMX minutes set by the Swede Niels van der Pool by XNUMX seconds. However, the world record could not be recognized because no referee from the International Federation (ISU) was present.

Local Hopes

Of the three Ritten speed skaters, Romedius Thurner and Maybritt Vigl have opted for the sprint four-event competition. Carmen Thurner, on the other hand, is competing in the all-around competition. Carmen Thurner sees the championship primarily as an opportunity to gain racing experience and to concentrate on her technique. Her preparation is primarily geared towards the upcoming Italian Junior Championships in January and February.

Maybritt Vigl is hoping for a podium place and will give it her all, even if she is not expecting a personal best. She is starting with ambition and wants to make the most of her abilities over the short distances. Romedius Thurner, on the other hand, will try to drive solid races and improve his times. The race program is as follows:

The schedule

Friday, December 27th, from 14:30 p.m. 1st day: All-around and sprint four-event competition for men: 500, 1000, 5000 m. All-around and sprint four-event competition for women: 500, 1000, 3000 m.

Saturday, December 28th, from 14:30 p.m. 2nd day: All-around and sprint four-event competition men: 500, 1500, 1000, 10.000 m. All-around and sprint four-event competition women: 500, 1500, 1000, 5000 m.

Sunday, December 29th, from 10am: Mass start men and women (16 laps).