The number of countries participating at the recent Euro Champs was the highest on record. This increased number of European countries will also be reflected in Korea.

In spite of the great development of the last years, Italy and France are still the strongest 2 European nations. These 2 countries are expected to win the bulk of the medals for Europe.

Italy’s team will be back to full strength after the debacle of 2005 where their governing body stopped their top skaters from participating. Duggento, Zangarini, Triberio, Francolini, Romani, Amabili and the Presti brothers in men and stars like Orru, Lardani and Di Eugenio in the ladies will be a force to reckon with.

In Suzhou last year, France had their best performance ever, winning 19 medals thanks to some great individual efforts like those of Thomas Bouche. This year after a great season we are expecting big things from Yan Guyader. The veteran Angele Vaudan. Will also make a welcomed return.

Other Europeans teams that have medal prospects from Europe include those of Germany, Belgium, Spain, Holland and Switzerland.

The Germans will count on Jana Gegner (2005 European Champion and new World Record Holder) and the junior Sabine Berg as its stronger candidates to get on podium while the Belgians will have Wouter Hebbrecht, Nele Armee and Maaike Polspoel as their big chances to medal in Anyang.

Koen Verweij and Bianca Roosenboom are the Dutch junior skaters that could be the next big thing in Anyang. The Swiss team opened its first track in Weinfelde some months ago which should improve their potential to medal on the track this year. Nadine Gloor, Raphael Pfulg, Alain Gloor, Roger Schneider and Nicolas Iten will be strong competitors.

Spain, is coached by the Argentinean Carlos Lugea and the team will look for a better outing than they had in China. The junior Mikel Goñi is the Spanish hope for Anyang glory.

The Scandinavian region will be very well represented this year with Sweden, Finland and Denmark, also will be stay Portugal, Great Britain, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Liechtenstein, Estonia and the debut of Georgia, Romania and Russia.