StaplerCup final 2020, Schlossplatz Aschaffenburg: The polystyrene disk must be removed from the hook and positioned on the notch of the wooden block - all from behind the wheel of the forklift truck and under the watchful eyes of the strict referees. © StaplerCup/Daniel Peter and Klaus Voit

For 15 years, more than two thousand forklift drivers have been competing in the StaplerCup every year in nationwide regional championships from March to July. The winners of these regional preliminary competitions meet in mid-September for the StaplerCup final in Aschaffenburg.

However, in order to ensure the safety and protect the health of forklift drivers, employees and visitors, many of the regional championships cannot take place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. As it is therefore not possible for drivers to qualify for the final this year as usual, the StaplerCup, the forklift driving championships, will not take place again until 2021, from September 16 to 18, 2021 in Aschaffenburg.

"Especially in turbulent times, it helps to have a mission statement to hold on to. Linde Material Handling has stood for maximum safety for decades. That's why we support the decision of all the regional championship organizers not to hold the qualifiers now. In the spirit of fair competition for all, the StaplerCup is therefore taking a break this year, but we are already looking forward to the next StaplerCup final in September 2021," says Torsten Rochelmeyer, Tournament Director of the StaplerCup and Senior Director Marketing Central Europe at organizer Linde Material Handling.

Last year, the StaplerCup attracted over ten thousand visitors to the Main metropolis of Aschaffenburg with exciting competitions in the four disciplines of the German Forklift Driving Championship, the German Championship for Women Forklift Drivers, the Company Team Championship and the second World Forklift Driving Championship with participants from 20 nations, as well as a varied supporting program for fans and families. A special highlight was the Night of Champions as the crowning finale with star guest Michael Schulte, the singer-songwriter from Hamburg. "As far as we know today, an event of this size with international participation cannot take place in September with a clear conscience. Linde Material Handling is taking on this responsibility by suspending the StaplerCup - with a heavy heart, but with great anticipation for next year," adds Rochelmeyer.