04 Jan 2013 at 15:43 | Published by: Hans | Views: 15189 | News search

Michael Ritschel at the German Championships 2012  (Photo by Michael Ritschel 2012)

Interview with Michael Ritschel (MR), Germany and Mc Schriesheim

This interview was done the 4th of January 2013. The Interviewer is Hans Bergström (HB).

HB: First of all thank you for letting Minigolfnews interview you and being able to ask a few questions about the 2014 European Cup that was recently being awarded to be hosted in your club Schriesheim. Can you first tell us a little bit about yourself and your position in this club?

MR: Hello Hans, thank you for this interview. I have been President of the MC Schriesheim for two years and President of the regional association Baden. I play in the men’s team of the club in the fourth league. I am closely connected to the club over 20 years. My father built up the club and introduced me to the sport.

HB: Why did you and your club apply to arrange the 2014 European Cup?

MR: This year the German Championship took place in Schriesheim for the seventh time. After a successful organization of a national event, the members of the club expressed the wish to have an international event in Schriesheim. The club is celebrating his 50th anniversary. This was one reason for our application.

HB: Can you tell us a bit about the club? Where is it located in Germany? How are the courses? Who are your best players?

MR: The club has a long history and tradition. A lot of good players have been German and European Champions in the national team or even World champions, like Jürgen Daub, Elfriede Daub, Gerd Hildenbeutel, Reiner Ritschel or Melanie Schuster.

Schriesheim is located in the heart of Europe, 80km away from Frankfurt and very close to Heidelberg.

We currently have a lot of good and young players. In this season our goal is to climb to the third league. The miniature golf course is very easy to play. The course record is 76 out of four rounds. A good player will come close to that result.

HB: I guess you have just starting to discuss about the 2014 EC. Can you share with us any initial thoughts about the arrangement?

MR: We have a lot in front. We are renovating the miniature golf course in advance. New obstacles are to make the course more challenging. We will install large LCD monitors for the presentation of results. Also around the sport event, we have a lot of plans. There will be different activities to bring the participants close to the city and the club.

HB: Have you been organizing any big events in the past?

MR: For 20 years the German High Performance Centre Schriesheim exists. During this time there have been 18 national events, including seven German Championships. The club is very experienced with regard to the organization of events.

HB: The Europa Cup is played in October. How is the weather normally in Schriesheim in October?

MR: We have a very bland climate. At the start of October we usually have very nice weather. A lot of sun and pleasant temperature. But still like everywhere in the world, weather is a surprise.

HB: Will you be recommending any good accommodation alternatives?

MR: We have a lot of good hotels in the region. We have been working together with the hotels “Scheid” and “Neues Ludwigstal” over the last years. Both are good hotels with good charge. Around Schriesheim are a lot of holiday homes and other good hotels.

HB: How do you easiest travel to Schriesheim from abroad? Are there any airports within close range?

MR: From Frankfurt Airport it takes about 30-40 min by car. Also Schriesheim can be arrived from all directions by train to the stations Mannheim or Heidelberg. We are planning a shuttle service from the Airport and the main stations.

HB: How big is the town of Schriesheim? Is it famous for anything? Are there any special landmarks or sights to visit?

MR:Schriesheim has about 15.000 inhabitants. The city is famous for being a wine region. The vineyards all around Schriesheim characterize the cityscape. The emblem is the “Strahlenburg”, a castle ruin. In 2014 the city is celebrating his 1250th anniversary with activities over the whole year. The MC Schriesheim will be a part of it with the EC.

HB: Are you planning to visit any international Championships in 2013 for inspirationon?

MR: Yes, I am planning to visit the World Championship in Bad Münder and the EC in Holesov with my fellow board member.

HB: Thank you very much and Good Luck with the preparations.

MR: Thank you very much.

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