Mainz, Germany – Supporters of SK Sigma Olomouc are set to develop the journey to Mainz for Thursday’s Conference League round of 16 second leg, but they’ll be doing so in somewhat dated comfort. A special 14-car train, dubbed the “Modrobílý expres” (Blue and White Express), will depart from Olomouc late Wednesday evening, carrying approximately 750 fans.
However, the trip won’t be a luxury experience. According to Czech Railways (ČD) spokesperson Petr Šťáhlavský, the train will utilize older rail cars, affectionately known as “koženky” (leatherettes) due to their original seat coverings. These cars are pulled from reserve stock and meet the requirements for international travel, specifically the UIC-Y standard.
The journey itself has undergone a last-minute adjustment. Originally planned to travel north, the train will now seize a southern route, including a stop in Prague. This change is due to the “traffic situation in Germany,” explained Sigma Olomouc fan liaison Zbyněk Müller. The train is now scheduled to depart Olomouc at 10:33 PM local time (UTC+1) after a technical delay, passing through Zábřeh na Moravě and arriving at Prague’s main station at 1:15 AM.
Comfort levels will be limited. Only one car – number 3 – will have electrical outlets available, meaning the originally planned catering service has been canceled. ČD and Sigma Olomouc are advising fans to bring plenty of food, drinks and portable chargers for their devices.
“We ask all fans to respect the instructions of the organizers,” Müller said, as quoted by Olomoucký deník. “We recommend that you bring enough food and drink for the journey and possibly also power banks to charge your phones.”
The train will be powered by a Siemens Vectron electric locomotive for the majority of the route. However, a Länderbahn Class 223 diesel locomotive will be attached for sections of the journey where the tracks are not electrified. ČD is responsible for operating the train within the Czech Republic, while TrainLog will handle operations within Germany.
Sigma Olomouc earned their spot in the Conference League knockout stage after winning the Czech Cup last season. They overcame Lausanne-Sport of Switzerland in the play-off round, drawing 1-1 at home before securing a 2-1 victory away. The first leg of the round of 16 tie against Mainz ended in a 0-0 draw in Olomouc.
The altered route will take the train through the Czech-German border crossing at Česká Kubice – Furt im Wald. Fans are expected to arrive in Mainz around noon on Thursday, with the return journey scheduled for approximately 11:00 PM local time, dependent on the match result.
This trip highlights the dedication of Sigma Olomouc’s supporters, willing to travel considerable distances – and in less-than-ideal conditions – to support their team in European competition. While the “koženky” may not offer the latest in rail travel amenities, they’ll undoubtedly carry a passionate group of fans eager to cheer on their team in a crucial match.
The stakes are high for Sigma Olomouc as they look to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Conference League. A win in Mainz would represent a significant achievement for the Czech club and further cement their growing reputation on the European stage.
