Graz Ice Challenge aims to build on strong results

More than 300 athletes from 22 countries competed at the 14th Ice Challenge in Graz last weekend, with Austrian skaters among the top performers. Organisers hope to carry that momentum into the future, ORF Steiermark reports.

Organiser Eva Sonnleitner said the event brought about 1,500 overnight stays to Graz, making it a significant economic factor. She said organisers also wanted to increase spectator interest.

Flora Maria Schaller finished fourth in the women’s event, while Tyrolean skater Anton Skoficz placed third in the men’s competition. Tobia Öllerer won with a new personal best.

Öllerer said training in Vienna was difficult because there were very few available ice sessions, and that training was expensive and hard to organise.

Conditions in Styria are more promising, Sonnleitner said, particularly in Graz, where ice is now available year-round. Organisers hope the improved training conditions will help produce state champions over the next three to five years.

The next opportunity to watch elite figure skating will come in mid-February at an ISU Challenger event, the sport’s second-highest competition category.