The 2024 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour season is off to a flying start, particularly for Türkiye`s women`s team. Demonstrating formidable early-season form, the Turkish contingent has secured victories in the first two legs of the tour, held in contrasting snowy landscapes – Bakuriani, Georgia, and their home ground in Erzurum, Türkiye.
Opening the Season in Bakuriani
The tour commenced in Bakuriani, Georgia, a location already familiar with high-level snow volleyball having recently hosted the U20 European Championship. In this inaugural event, Türkiye`s women set the tone by clinching the gold medal.
The men`s competition in Bakuriani provided a different narrative, with Italy emerging victorious after defeating Poland in the final match. The host nation, Georgia, managed to earn a spot on the podium, securing third place in the men`s tournament. In the women`s bracket, Georgia also put up a strong performance, claiming third place.
Home Advantage in Erzurum
Following the Georgian stop, the tour moved to Erzurum, Türkiye. Playing on home soil often brings its own pressure, but Türkiye`s women appeared unfazed, successfully repeating their Bakuriani performance to claim their second consecutive gold medal of the season.
The women`s final in Erzurum featured a notable performance from Romania, who proved to be a genuine surprise package. The Romanian team navigated their way through the bracket, overcoming several other Turkish teams before ultimately facing and finishing second to the dominant home side in the final.
On the men`s side in Erzurum, France took top honors, defeating Poland in their final encounter. Türkiye also featured on the men`s podium, securing third place after a competitive match against Italy.
Looking Ahead
With two events completed, Türkiye`s women have clearly established themselves as the team to watch. The men`s tour, however, has seen different champions crowned, suggesting a more open field heading into the final stages.
The 2024 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour is scheduled to conclude with its third and final stop in Prato Nevoso, Italy, set to take place from March 29th to 31st.
Türkiye`s exceptional performance in the first two women`s tournaments sets a high bar for the remaining competition and highlights their current strength on the European snow volleyball circuit.
Torin Vale