Decathlon world champion Neugebauer tests form in Ratingen heat ahead of European Championships

Neugebauer's first Ratingen appearance

Leo Neugebauer, the reigning world decathlon champion, will compete at the Mehrkampf-Meeting in Ratingen for the first time. The event, held just outside Düsseldorf, serves as a dress rehearsal for the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham in August. Neugebauer leads an international top field and is among several athletes using the competition to refine form ahead of the major championship.

Heptathlon and the wider field

The women's heptathlon also features Sandrina Sprengel, who placed fifth at the World Championships. Sprengel starts her competition with the 100 metres hurdles at 11:20 on Saturday, shortly after the decathletes begin with the 100 metres at 11:00. The meeting's strong international line-up reinforces its status as a key pre-championship test.

Organisers brace for extreme heat

Forecasts for Saturday predict temperatures of around 38°C, posing a significant challenge for athletes across both days of competition. The organisers have developed a comprehensive heat protection concept, which includes additional shaded areas, water stations, sprinkler systems, and numerous fans. To shield participants from the midday sun, the Saturday lunch break has been extended.

Weekend schedule and timeline

The two-day event opens on Saturday morning with the decathlon 100 metres at 11:00. Heptathletes follow at 11:20 with the 100 metres hurdles. The extended midday pause is designed to avoid the peak heat, with competition continuing into Sunday.