A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE EUROPEAN CUP COMBINED EVENTS
The origins of the European Cup Combined Events date back to 1973, year in which European Athletics Association decided to create a similar competition to the European Cup Bruno Zauli destined exclusively for the specialists in combined events. In that first edition there were disputed three semifinals in Innsbruck, Reykiavik and Sofia with the participation of 43 European teams (22 men and 21 women) looking for the eight places that gave access to the final. This was celebrated in German city of Bonn, with victory of Poland in men and German Democratic Republic in women.
This competition format, based on semifinals and final, was maintained till 1981, with a biannual basis. In 1981 it was decided to create three competition groups (A, B and C) with promotions and relegations. In 1991 these groups became known as Superleague, First League and Second League and in 1993 competition started to be disputed annually.
During its 26 previous editions the European Cup Combined Events has seen different alternatives in the men's competition. Germany (including German Federal and Democratic Republics victories in the 70 and 80's) is the team who has achieved more collective triumphs with 8, followed by France (6) and Czech Republic (4). On the women's side, competition has been a pair's matter between Rusia (13 victories including the ones achieved by the Soviet Union) and Germany (9 titles including GDR).
Spain in the European Cup Combined Events:
Spain has taken part in 25 editions of the European Cup combined events. The country started participating in the first edition held in 1973 and it only missed 1983. Men have competed eight times in the top league, having achieved three bronze medals by teams in 1994, 1999 and 2005. On the other hand, women haven't managed to pass from the First League, being their best performance the fifth place obtained in 1993 and 1995.
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