Only Vetter himself, with his 2020 effort of 97.76m, and the Czech Republic’s Jan Zelezny, whose world record of 98.48m has stood since 1996, have thrown further.

The 28-year-old world champion of 2017 and current world bronze medallist produced his mighty effort in the second round having warmed up with a first round throw of 94.24m, and now occupies seven of the top 15 throws in the all-time list and has bettered 91 metres in all five of his competitions so far this season.

However he withdrew without taking his final two throws because of a pain in his quadriceps.

"I'm a little bit sad because I had to withdraw before the end of the competition due to the pain in my right quadriceps. I'm pretty happy about my result today and for getting seven points for Team Germany," said Vetter.

After 21 of the 40 scheduled events, Britain - who have never won the Super League title in its current form - carried a narrow lead into day two on 95 points with the hosts and defending champions just half a point behind and Germany on 93.50.

Italy, whose captain Gianmarco Tamberi, the former world and European indoor high jump champion, had to make a late withdrawal with injury, are fourth on 87 points.

A sparse, socially distanced but enthusiastic crowd had seen Germany lead the overall standings prior to the two concluding 4x100 metres relays, but their women’s team came to grief as Rebekka Haase and Lisa Nippgen fumbled the last exchange.

However victory in the men’s 4x100m in 38.73sec kept them in the hunt.

Britain proved exceptionally strong in the women’s track events, with Lina Nielsen producing one of their highlight performances as a late replacement in the 400 metres hurdles for Jessie Knight, who tops this season’s European rankings.

Nielsen stepped up to win in 55.59 from Germany’s Carolina Krafzik in 55.71.

This was followed up with victories in the women’s 800m courtesy of European under-20 and under-23 medallist Ellie Baker in 2min 00.95sec - with Germany losing points when initial runner-up Christina Hering was disqualified for jostling - and in the women’s 3,000m, where Revee Walcott Nolan won in 9:13.36.

Despite missing some marquee names, Poland won five events across the first day including the women’s 400 metres through double European under-23 champion Natalia Kaczmarek in 51.36 and the women’s 100m with 20-year-old Pia Skrzyszowska clocking a lifetime best of 11.25.

Italy’s outstanding performer was Yemaneberhan Crippa, whose sprint finish earned him a 5,000m win in a Championship record of 13:17.23.

Crippa's time also surpassed the event record in the European Cup, replaced by the European Athletics Team Championships format in 2009, which was held by his compatriot Salvatore Antibo with 13:21.68.