Umhausen / Geretsried - The German natural track tobogganists said goodbye to the summer break with a mixed record: The national team around Geretsriederin Michaela Niemetz made it into the top ten twice at the world championship without an audience in Umhausen / Austria and was fifth in the team Competition.
The demanding track in the Ötztal demanded everything from the athletes at temperatures of minus ten degrees.
The juniors in particular had their difficulties on the “Streif under the natural tracks”.
National coach Gerhard Pilz: “The Grantau is a really difficult, very selective track.
It's all about gaining experience and doing as many trips as possible under competitive conditions. "
Michaela Niemetz returned to the team after a break due to a bruised foot.
The 27-year-old from WSV Unterammergau wanted to fully attack and ultimately had to admit defeat to the difficult conditions.
“The track was really in a difficult condition.
And in the end too many mistakes simply added up, ”said Geretsrieder, who was self-critical.
With 16th place, the hearing aid acoustic master clearly fell short of her expectations.
Nevertheless, the national team could be satisfied with its performance.
“It was the best season ever for us,” said natural track sportsman Thomas Niemetz.
"Of course, thanks to the successes with the juniors, but we mastered this difficult season well," said the Eglinger.
Gerhard Pilz agreed to this.
However, the national coach was already focusing on the future: “We saw clearly where we stand and what we have to work on.
Above all, we need to intensify the athletic training in summer. "
Before this training starts, however, the active members of Michaela Niemetz must first see whether training and test drives on ice are possible anywhere.
The corona conditions will make it more difficult in any case.
For now everyone has returned home and is using the time for active regeneration.
Also read:
Michaela Niemetz: Full focus on the world championship races
