Recent sporting achievements in the Leoben district highlight the successes of local athletes. The Nordic Ski Team Trofaiach excelled at the Austrian championships, while Anna Brandner dominated events at the FIS Youth Cup and student Austria Cup. ESV Leoben triumphed in sports bowling, and the stocksport championship in St. Peter-Freienstein showcased competitive teams. Additionally, a record-breaking children’s ski course and the Leoben city bowling championships further emphasized the region’s vibrant sports culture.
Recent Sporting Triumphs in Leoben District
In this article, we provide an engaging overview of the latest achievements and performances of athletes from the Leoben district. Stay tuned as we continuously update this exciting coverage.
Nordic Ski Team Trofaiach Shines
TROFAIACH. Last weekend marked a significant event with the Austrian student and youth championships in cross-country skiing held in Nesselwängle, Tyrol. Five talented athletes from the Nordic Ski Team Trofaiach represented Styria: Pia Aspalter, Sofia Del Negro, Leo Brandner, Maya Brandner, and Anna Funkl. Maya Brandner stood out, clinching the title of two-time vice-champion in both the ‘Classic Sprint’ and ‘Individual Free Technique’ with her remarkable performances. Her teammates also showcased their skills, achieving commendable placements.
Thrilling Ice Stock Championship in Trofaiach
TROFAIACH. The city championship in ice stock at the Mossauer inn in Laintal was filled with excitement. A total of 15 teams battled for the prestigious title, with the Gößbachstüberl team, captained by Moar Ewald Brunner, emerging victoriously. The team members—Johannes Greilberger, Jochen Winkler, Michael Pichler, Heinz Lanner, and Gernot Berner—delivered an impressive performance against tough competitors. The Ennstaler team, spearheaded by Moar Christian Stradner, secured the second spot, while the Gößgrabler team, led by Moar Heinz Haym, finished third.
Anna Brandner Dominates at FIS Youth Cup
EISENERZ. The FIS Youth Cup 2024/25 finals in Nordic combined took place in Harrachov (CZE) last weekend, where Anna Brandner excelled. After leading in jumping on both days, she also achieved the best running times in her category, resulting in back-to-back victories and securing the overall championship title.
SC Erzbergland’s Successful Weekend
EISENERZ. Anna Brandner celebrated a remarkable weekend at the first student Austria Cup of the season in Saalfelden, claiming four victories. The SC Erzbergland athlete dominated in ski jumping and Nordic combined events, proudly breaking her own hill record by jumping 63 meters.
Record-Breaking Children’s Ski Course
EISENERZ. The children’s ski course, organized by the Alpine Club, Nature Friends, Union, and Scouts, achieved a record participation of nearly 90 young skiers. Over four days, advanced skiers enhanced their skills at Präbichl, while beginners were introduced to skiing in the Erzbergarena. With the Nordic Training Center Eisenerz’s support and well-prepared practice areas, the course was executed with top-notch professionalism.
ESV Leoben’s Convincing Bowling Victory
LEOBEN. The men’s Bundesliga East in sports bowling saw ESV Leoben make a strong start to the spring round, winning their home game against KSK Klagenfurt Magdalensberg decisively with a 7:1 scoreline. Fabian Schmid led the team with an impressive 613 pins. Following this victory, ESV Leoben stands in second place, just three points behind the leader.
Exciting Stocksport Championship in St. Peter-Freienstein
ST. PETER-FREIENSTEIN. The market championship held at the EV St. Peter-Freienstein stocksport facility attracted 20 teams, each consisting of eight shooters, competing for three days. The EV Gonidorf team, led by Moar Karl Kvarits, claimed the title, while the Ice Smurfs and the Boys finished in second and third place, respectively. The event was made possible by the hard work of many volunteers, ensuring a fair competition.
Snooker Champion Emerges from Eisenerz
EISENERZ. Mike Busse transitioned from billiards to snooker at the age of 14, quickly making his mark in the tournament scene with the ‘Pot Black Snooker Club Eisenerz.’ After showcasing his talent, he was invited to training sessions by the ÖSBV in Vienna. Despite having to step back due to time constraints, Busse achieved remarkable success, becoming the Styrian state champion for the first time in Graz in December 2023 and successfully defending his title in December 2024, winning all frames with a 3:0 score.
Nature Friends Ski Course in Gaal
LEOBEN/GAAL. Following a leisurely New Year’s Day, the Nature Friends Leoben ski course took place from January 2 to 5 at the Gaal lifts. Upholding the motto ‘Quality over Quantity,’ nearly 50 children improved their skiing skills under expert guidance in small groups. The final race showcased their progress, culminating in exciting competitions. The course concluded with a traditional Krapfen day and a special appearance by ‘Mickey Mouse.’ For more information on upcoming courses, visit the Nature Friends website or email them directly.
Leoben City Bowling Championships
LEOBEN. The Leoben city championships, held in early December at Kammersäle Donawitz, attracted around 100 bowlers. Organized by the sports club Mayr-Melnhof-Novopan, the event crowned Tanja Pröll as the women’s champion with 553 pins and Gerhard Plank as the men’s champion with 609 pins. Among the recreational bowlers, Monika Prodinger took the lead with 535 pins, showcasing the talent present in the region.