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Our #hyloathletes have been putting in strong performances and giving their all once again this week. We take a look back at the last seven days’ events and competitions featuring our athletes, teams and clubs.
Finals 2024 – German gymnastics team crowns its national champions
Germany’s gymnastics elite came together for the Finals 2024. For five days, the Süwag Energie ARENA in Frankfurt am Main became a showcase for spectacular acrobatics, impressive athletics and pure elegance. The crème-de-la-crème of German Gymnastics Federation gymnasts were competing at the Finals 2024. This multisport event from 6 to 10 June crowned the German champions in rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics and trampolining.
With just two months before the Olympics, for many German Gymnastics Federation gymnasts this was a crucial competition in potentially securing qualification for the Games in Paris.
There were some exciting, close decisions. From established old-hands through to emerging talent, the Finals 2024 were a celebration of gymnastics. The experienced athletes once again demonstrated their class, whilst the next generation of rising stars put their ambitions and skills to the test.
More on the medal decisions and new German champions in our news report.
Saarland Hurricanes beaten in second half
Despite an equally matched first half (28:29), on Saturday (8 June 2024) the footballers of the Saarland Hurricanes ultimately lost their German Football League (GFL) away game against Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns with a score of 28:50 (8:8/21:20/14:0/7:0).
The 1. Bundesliga game took place as planned, despite violent storms in southern Germany. The Saarland team had to play the Bundesliga favourites whilst down on players. They were at least able to hold their own to ensure an evenly matched first half. Sadly, the Canes did not manage to score any more points in the second half. A strong second half by the Unicorn defence prevented head coach Jakob Lawrence’s team from scoring another single point.
Now we are just a few days away from the Hurricane’s first game at their new home, the Hermann-Neuberger Stadium in Völklingen. The Saarland Hurricanes will be looking to kick-start a winning streak at their home opener in front of a home crowd on 15 June.
The Saarland Hurricanes‘ first game day in Völklingen begins at 1 p.m. with an exciting programme of events for young and old alike. The highlight of the day is the match between GFL teams the Saarland Hurricanes and the Straubing Spiders, starting at 4 p.m.
Points for Team75 Motorsport in Zandvoort
Team75 Motorsport has had a weekend of highs and lows at the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Germany in Zandvoort.
The race ended in disappointment on Saturday (8 June 2024), despite a strong performance and a lead for Robert de Haan: the Landstuhl team lost both Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars almost simultaneously, from very promising positions. Local hero Robert de Haan had to retire from a strong lead, whilst team colleague Janne Stiak was forced to withdraw in fifth place. Both drivers, de Haan and Janne Stiak, had to end their race early due to tyre damage and driving error.
However, on Sunday (9 June 2024), team manager Timo Bernhard’s team was able to celebrate success. Robert de Haan gained second place in the overall rankings and topped the rookie list. Despite damage to his vehicle, suffered during the tussle at the start, de Haan put in an impressive performance. Unfortunately, Janne Stiak once again had to end his race early due to a technical defect.
The team is optimistic about the next racing weekend in Budapest (21-23 June).
Victory and defeat for Saarlouis Hornets
A 2. Baseball-Bundesliga Südwest interleague game for Saarlouis Hornets on Saturday (8 June 2024), against a good opponent, resulted as expected in a well-balanced game and a well-earned split. The first game of the double-header against the Neuenburg Atomics in Saarlouis was won 7:3 by the visiting team. Game two went to the Hornets 3:0.
The start to the first game did not go entirely to plan for the Hornets. Despite some good play, their offence lacked the luck that is needed in games like this. Things were rather different for their opponents, who were able to use luck to their advantage and pull ahead 0:5. Hopes were raised when David Reichertz closed the gap to 3:5 with a three-run home run. However, the visiting team from Neuenburg were able to hold firm and win the first game 7:3.
The second game went rather differently, with the Saarland team clinching a win thanks to a solid, focused performance. Jay Bueche on the mound was able to control the Neuenburg offensive throughout the game, allowing the Hornets’ own offensive play to gain a well-deserved with thanks to some effective hitting.
The Saarlouis team’s position in the table is virtually unchanged, standing in second place within striking distance of table leaders Mainz. Their next opponent in the first of four away games in a row is on Sunday (16 June) against their namesakes, the Bad Homburg Hornets.
Last-minute start for Svenja Thoes in Basque Country
Saarland triathlete Svenja Thoes planned to spend last weekend competing in the Audi Triathlon Ingolstadt powered by BÜCHL. However, the race was called off due to heavy rainfall and flooding in south Germany.
The Saarland made a last-minute decision to head to Basque Country in Spain for the TradeINN Zarauzko Triatloia. This is a well-known half-distance triathlon organised in Zarautz, a coastal town in the Basque region of northern Spain. The competition has been running since 1987 and is one of Spain’s pioneering triathlons. It is often described as the ‘king of the north’ and the ‘Mecca of triathlons’. A 2.9-kilometre swim in open sea from Getaria to Zarautz is followed by an 80-kilometre cycle with slopes at gradients of up to 20% and a 21-kilometre run through Zarautz.
Given the extremely difficult conditions and constant rain in the hills and mountains of Basque Country, the athlete (who only arrived the day of the competition) was simply seeking to gain experience and competition strength. After a good swim, Svenja slipped three times on downhill sections of the wet, glassy cycle route so failed to join the leading group. Although she was not in the running for the title, taking part was important and instructive for her upcoming races and for gaining the competition strength she needs.
Boccia World Cup in São Paulo
Saarland athletes Boris Nicolai and Anita Raguwaran put in strong performances at the Boccia World Cup in São Paulo (28 May to 7 June 2024).
Anita secured the bronze medal in the CB4 class individual competition. She dominated her group with three wins, before unfortunately losing to Nataliia Konenko of Ukraine in a tie-break during her semi-final. However, she secured a clear 4:1 win in the third-place decider against Kristina Vozarova of Slovakia.
Boris had a difficult start to the tournament and lost his opening game 4:5 to Nick Taylor of the USA. However, he picked himself back up and won the decider to gain a place in the quarter-final, with 4:2 against Eliseu dos Santos of Brazil. He continued this forward momentum in the quarter-final to beat Andre Martins Costa of Brazil 9:0. In the semi-final, he faced Stephen McGuire of Great Britain. Despite a strong performance and a scoreline of 2:2 after four sets, McGuire was able to clinch the win. Boris was up against Edilson Chica Chica of Columbia in the third-place decider. After four sets the score was 4:4, but the Columbian player won the tie break. Boris finished the tournament in fourth place.
In the pairs competition, Boris and Anita suffered close defeats against Paralympics competitors from Brazil and the third-ranked team in the world from Columbia. However, they were able to win their final game against Chile 5:2.
Despite a few setbacks, both athletes put in impressive performances and are optimistic about future competitions. Boris Nicolai has already secured a place at the Paralympics, whilst Anita still has hopes of a wild card based on her good performances.
We are looking forward to upcoming appearances from our #hyloathletes and wish all of our HYLO® partners much luck and success.