The Illberg ice rink in Mulhouse has been closed to the public for several days. The compressors will be disconnected there next week, at the end of the first edition of Mulhouse Trois Frontières, an international curling tournament organized by Curling Olympique Mulhouse (COM).
His first challenge is preparing the playing surface. “First, we incorporate the targets under the ice. Then, between hockey and skating, we have to rework the ice so that the stones can slide on it optimally,” explains Philippe Lecouturier, secretary of the Mulhouse club. The competition dates were placed just before the rink went on summer break.
“The Swiss teams are favorites”
Once the track has been tamed, it’s time to play. Twenty teams have responded and will be divided into two groups, A and B. Many Swiss teams, a German selection, several Jura clubs, but also Nice, Valence, Strasbourg, three teams from Colmar, and of course, the COM. “It’s a tough plateau. It should still be noted that Mulhouse is vice-champion of France,” rejoices Philippe Lecouturier. “But the Swiss teams will be favorites. “It’s a much more practiced sport there, with a higher overall level.”
Schenkel system and offensive format
For the show and so that each group benefits, the organizers are banking on the “Schenkel” system: a formula without direct elimination, where all the teams will play the same number of matches in eight rounds, called ends. In addition, the regulations will push competitors to play a very offensive game. The “Free Guard Zone” prohibits ejecting the first five stones placed in front of the target, forcing teams to build rather than destroy. And with a limit of 105 minutes to start the last end, there will be no question of delaying.
The first match will begin on Friday at 6 p.m. before a marathon day on Saturday. On Sunday morning the last matches of the 4th will be played out.e round. The final is scheduled for 2 p.m. A final spectacular sweep as a finale for the Illberg, before the ice rink takes a well-deserved rest.
