Luge Athletes Test New Cortina Track Ahead of Winter Olympics

The luge athletes are set to experience the newly constructed track in Cortina d’Ampezzo this weekend, marking the first live test of the facility ahead of the 2025 Winter Olympics. This event serves as both a trial for the upcoming Games and the season opener for the World Cup. Originally scheduled to commence in Innsbruck, Austria, two weeks earlier, the season faced a setback due to track issues, prompting a relocation of races to Winterberg, Germany, from December 5-7, 2024.

New Track Legacy and Olympic Preparation

The event at the Eugenio Monti track, named after Italy’s most decorated bobsleigh athlete, has gained significance as Olympic qualification points are at stake. The facility was built on the site of the original track, which closed in 2008, and faced delays that raised concerns about its readiness. These uncertainties have since been alleviated, shifting the focus to the athletes’ performance on the new course.

Germany is anticipated to dominate the luge events, having secured an impressive 38 out of 52 available gold medals since the sport’s Olympic debut in 1964. Among the competitors, Max Langenhan, a double overall World Cup winner and triple world champion, is expected to be a strong contender. He expressed enthusiasm about the venue, stating, “Everyone will love the whole setting with the mountains around it, and it’s great to have a new track.” Langenhan noted that while it’s too early to determine how the track suits him, its design promises tight racing where mistakes could be costly.

The Competitive Landscape

Austrian athletes are also proving to be formidable competitors. Langenhan acknowledged their improved performance, saying, “They’ve closed the gap on us at the start and lately they’ve been skiing incredibly well.” This marks a shift, as previous years saw the Austrian team struggling during races despite strong training performances. One notable competitor is Wolfgang Kindl, who recently celebrated a mixed doubles world championship victory. Now at 37, Kindl has a wealth of experience, having competed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He remarked on the track’s challenges, noting, “The upper section in particular is technically demanding.”

Women’s doubles luge, which has been featured in world championships for the past four years, will also debut in the Olympics next year. The reigning world champions, Selina Egle and Lara Kipp from Austria, are expected to be strong contenders for the inaugural Olympic gold in this event. Their dominance last season has set high expectations as they aim to continue their success on the international stage.

As the event unfolds this weekend, the excitement surrounding the new track and the upcoming Olympic Games continues to build, promising thrilling competitions and a showcase of the world’s best luge athletes in Cortina d’Ampezzo.