Berchtesgaden (pps) On the occasion of the 54th Congress of the International Luge Federation (FIL) held at the Intercontinental Resort of Berchtesgaden, Josef Fendt was confirmed in his office as the federation’s President for the third time. The 58 years old general manager of the municipality of Berchtesgaden, who succeeded the FIL’s founding president Bert Isatitsch in 1994, was re-elected unanimously. “I am very impressed by this clear sign of confidence”, said Fendt.

Both Secretary General Svein Romstad (USA) and Harald Steyrer (Austria) were also confirmed in their offices. The Vice-President for Finance received a clear majority ahead of his rival candidate Geoff Balme from New Zealand.

The Congress awarded the 2009 World Championships to Lake Placid. The 1932 and 1980 Olympic city will host the bobsleigh World Championships in the same year. Besides, the 2010 European Championships were awarded to Sigulda, Latvia.

As the most important rule change it was decided to hold the qualifications for the Viessmann World Cup and Nations Cup in one run in the future.