Ten nations, one title and a competition format that leaves no room for error: at the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® European Trophy on 13 September, Europe’s best competitive loggers will go head to head. In Barzkowice, Poland, the competition is not just about securing the next victory of the season, but about winning one of the most prestigious titles in European competitive woodcutting. The defending champion is Michał Dubicki, who is aiming to triumph once again after two consecutive victories.
Heart rates shoot up the moment the starting signal is given in the Trophy format. Four disciplines in quick succession – Stock Saw, Underhand Chop, Single Buck and Standing Block Chop, always alternating between saw and axe – demand everything from the competitive loggers. It’s head-to-head as they progress through the knockout rounds. Every minor mistake can cost them dearly, and even title favourites can be eliminated quickly.
To stand a chance of victory, the competitive loggers must complete the gruelling course six times. As a result, endurance is just as crucial as explosive strength. And this is precisely where two generations are coming together in Poland: Michał Dubicki is 45 years old. At the same time, a younger generation is pushing through, one that has been familiar with the sport for many years.
One of its leading figures is Emil Hansson. Hansson started competing in timber felling as a child; his father, Hans-Ove, was a TIMBERSPORTS® athlete himself. The 25-year-old Swede is travelling to Poland as the world number five in the Trophy format and is brimming with confidence: he has just been crowned Swedish champion once again. Hansson previously won the European Trophy in 2022.
The Czech Matyáš Klíma also belongs to this generation. The 27-year-old competes alongside his father, Leoš. For him, his father is a rival, a training partner and an advisor all in one. Last year, Klíma and Dubicki faced each other in the final of the European Trophy. On that occasion, the Pole’s experience prevailed over the Czech’s youthful ambition.
An exciting battle of the generations could therefore unfold in Barzkowice. A total of ten nations are sending their best competitive loggers to Poland. Whether Dubicki will once again come out on top, or whether the younger competitors will seize their chance, will be decided on 13 September at the European Trophy.
The competition will be livestreamed globally on Youtube and Facebook, as well as on unbeaten TV. Further information on the competitors and the full results can be found in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Database.
