Beachcup Binz: Thrill and excitement at the big volleyball festival!

Beachcup Binz: Thrill and excitement at the big volleyball festival!

From today on, the beach at Binz on Rügen will once again be transformed into a true sports mecca: the Beach Cup will be held here for the twelfth time. This year, fans can look forward to exciting matches and spectacular rallies. A total of 31 women's and 44 men's teams have registered to fight for the title on the sand. The event is organized by the renowned SV Warnemünde and attracts the majority of participants from northern Germany, with many teams coming directly from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Who will win the race this year?

The strongest competitors include the sisters Anna and Laura Kurtze from SV Warnemünde. By winning the title at the 2024 Beach Volleyball State Championships, they have secured a clear place on the winner's podium and are going into the race as the favorites. But the men also have a very special athlete at the start in Axel Hager. The 2000 Olympics bronze medalist will be competing alongside his son Jakob and is sure to provide some exciting moments.

Tournament format and highlights

The tournament follows a relay mode that transitions to a knockout system, adding extra excitement. Spectators are guaranteed to get their money's worth, especially on Sunday lunchtime when the big finale is coming up. The team around Melanie Gernert, who became German runner-up in 2017, is also in focus. The competition promises a high level and exciting games.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is considered the cradle of beach volleyball in Germany, even if the opportunities for talent are limited. As the Deutschlandfunk report confirms, there is a lack of high-class tournaments and training infrastructure. Swantje Basan, a well-known face from the region, plays in the second Bundesliga for 1. VC Stralsund and is currently the only player from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania who has qualified for the Binz tour stop. You won't find an Olympic base for beach volleyball here. Players often switch to training centers in Berlin or Hamburg.

Event details and supporting program

But the Beach Cup is more than just a sporting event. Plans also include a barbecue evening where participants can bring their own food. A beer cart provides the necessary refreshment and even offers the opportunity to watch the opening game of the European Football Championship on a TV. Participants are asked to arrive promptly at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday because the games start at 9:00 a.m. The atmosphere also promises convivial hours during the evenings accompanied by music.

The athletes must provide their own accommodation, as it is not possible to arrange campsites. Alternatives such as the Prora youth hostel and campsites near the former campsite are available and offer a good opportunity to spend time in nature despite the sporting program. The organizer also has this aspect in mind, because beach volleyball is not just a sport, but also enjoyment and joie de vivre.

While the Beach Cup is causing a stir at the weekend, the question remains as to how the sport of beach volleyball will develop in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The discussion about a combination of beach hall and beaches remains current, as this would be ideal for creating optimal training conditions even in winter. Finally, it is crucial for players to stay active outside of the summer season.

For the participants and spectators, the weekend in Binz will hopefully not only be sporty, but also unforgettable. Be there and support the athletes in the sand!