The Greek hosts manage the organisation very well. Everything is running smoothly, the shuttle transport between the hotel of the German team and the competition venue (4 km) works without problems. Unfortunately, we don’t have time at the moment for the sunny weather with about 20 degrees.

First observations have confirmed what we had already expected: Russia’s juniors are in a very good form and are probably on their way to a possible successful title holding!

The French team didn‘t have a very good day today with a lot of instabilities in their routines. Impressive were the boys from Belarus, they might be on the same performance level as the German team.

The Germans began slightly nervous on their first apparatus pommel horse, but improved more and more afterwards. Concerning the elements included, their routines on rings are quite simple, there the major strength qualities can only be expected to come later. Nonetheless, all gymnasts presented their routines as expected. The same had been the case on vault.

Bars is definitely the strongest apparatus of the German juniors. René Piephard, Waldemar Eichorn (title holder on this apparatus) and Fabian Hambüchen should be able to fight for a spot in the final there.

Despite 1 –2 failures also high bar went quite well. However, many gymnasts had problems on the very hard floor. It is uncontrollably springy which leads to insecurities in the acrobatic elements.

  The Ukrainian  team didn’t make a very well-rounded impression today. It can be looked forward to the performance of the Swiss boys who recently have presented themselves very well at competition against four other countries in Scotland.

All in all: the mood is good – the boys are looking forward to the competition on Thursday!

>> News from the men’s field:
The Russians will start with Nemov, Podgorni, Bondarenko und Krukov. The latter, however, won’t compete on vault and floor due to back problems.