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January 12th, 2013

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Last year was a solid one in regards to Denmark hosting sporting events. The Giro d’Italia kicked off in Denmark for the first time ever, table tennis legends flocked to Herning to take part in the European Championships, while FC Nordsjælland’s ill-fated Champion’s League adventure saw the likes of Juventus and Chelsea travel to Danish shores. 

Nevertheless, if you missed out, and you’re chomping at the bit this year to get out there and see some quality sports, fret not, because 2013 is ready to oblige, hosting seven European Championships and a handful of World Cups and World Championships. 

“2013 will be a good and comprehensive sports event year in Denmark,” Lars Lundov, the head of Sport Event Denmark, promised The Copenhagen Post.

“Events will be staged indoors and outdoors, and we will also find events that could become game-changers within the world of sport. We have put effort into adding value to these international events.”

HEADLINERS

European Short Course Swimming Championships
Jyske Bank BOXEN Arena, Herning; Dec 12-15

Yes, it might be in December, but there is still a lot to look forward to here. The Danish swimming team has been very successful in the past two Euros and it will be interesting to see if they can carry on the tradition now that their successful coach Paulus Wildeboer has left for Australia. Aside from the Danish stalwarts like Lotte Friis, Jeannete Ottesen and Rikke Møller Pedersen, plenty of other European stars will be at hand to dazzle the crowd.

Men’s Volleyball European Championships
Venues in Odense, Herning, Aarhus and Copenhagen; Sep 20-29; www.eurovolley2013.dk

The men’s European Championships in volleyball will be co-hosted by Denmark and Poland at the end of September. Teams from all over Europe will battle it out in three tough qualification rounds to make it to the final round – only 16 will succeed. The championships will be played at six fantastic arenas. The semi-finals, bronze medal match and final will all be played at Parken.

SECOND BILLING

Sailing
Various competitions across Denmark; July & August

A massive year beckons for sailing enthusiasts in Denmark. The country will be hosting four major championship: the 49’er and 49’er FX European Championships (Aarhus, July 2-8); the 29’er World Cup (Aarhus, July 28-Aug 3); Europa-class skiff race World Cup (Sønderborg; July 29-Aug 11); and the IASF Match Race Nations Cup Grand Final (Middlefart; August 6-10).

European 10-metre Shooting Championships
Stadium Arena Fyn and Hall A, Odense Congress Centre; Feb 25-March 3; www.ech2013.dk

Featuring the air rifle, air pistol and running target competitions. 

2013 BWF Denmark Open Super Series 
Odense Stadium/Sports Centre; Oct 14-20; www.badminton.dk

Once again, the cream of the crop will be congregating for one of badminton’s six major tournaments.

ALSO ON THE CARD

Kayak World Cup (marathon distance) 
The Regatta Course, Lake Bagsvaerd, Copenhagen; Sep 20-22; www.canoemarathon.dk

The paddles will be working overtime in September when the Kayak World Cup takes place in Copenhagen. The men have to paddle 30.1 kilometres, the women 25.8.

World Cup Trampoline & Tumbling Final
Odense Stadium/Sports Centre; April 10-May 10; www.dgf.dk

Back flips, summersaults and a mix of strength and grace will be on display as the world’s top gymnasts converge to battle it out in Odense.

European Dance Championship
NRGi Park/Arena, Aarhus: April 20

“You’re such a great dancer, Tony” is one line that springs to mind here. They’re hot, they’re tanned and they smile like it’s going out of business.

Equestrian Euros
MCH Arena Herning; Oct 21-25, www.european-herning.dk

There won’t be any rodeo clowns or bucking broncos here. It’s all straight-laced horsemanship, combining the grace and etiquette of the old-school equestrian values. 

CURTAINS CLOSED IF IN BACK GARDEN

Beach Handball European Championships 
Randers Arena; July 4-14; www.dhf.dk

What’s more insane? That there is such a thing as beach handball or that there’s a beach in Randers?