(es/ck) - While there is summer break in central Europe, Russia, Canada or the US, luge on natural track is at its peak on the southern hemisphere. In Naseby, New Zealand, there is a 360 m long natural track. The only one south of the equator. Opened: mostly between June and September – depending on the weather. This season, athletes couldn’t start their season and the Naseby Luge Cup as early as planned. Geoff Balme, president of the New Zealand Olympic Luge Association: “We had bad weather and had to postpone the start of this season. The final race for the senior men at Naseby Luge Cup will take place on Sunday, 14th August.” In Naseby, people also care about the offspring. 31 children – the youngest had just turned eight – took part in a luge camp. But not only the camp for children was successful. The “2011 Naseby Ice Festival” attracted 1,500 people. Balme: “The festival is the perfect occasion to scout new luge talents. A big success …” The Naseby Luge Cup consists of three races. The first two races already took place from 23rd to 24th July, the third competition was held on 30th July. The great winners in the juniors’ division: Josh Steele – his performance was convincing with three victories in three competitions – and Tayla Ward – she scored 275 out of 300 possible points. Especially Ward impressed with ranks 1, 2 and 1 in her first year of luge. Balme explains, “Tayla already showed in her rookie year that she has huge potential.” At the seniors, Lisa O’Neill won with an overall score of 270 points. Jo Dowling, defending champion and winner of the first two races, couldn’t take part in the third competition due to an injury and became third in the overall ranking. Rose McDonald ranked second with 225 points. Men’s finals will take place next weekend. After two out of three races in the lead: Guntis Rekis, former Latvian luger on artificial track and winner of World Championship medals. Second, with 170 points: Amos Dowle. And third – prior to the third and final race – Geoff Balme.