At the final of the FIL World Cup 2024/2025 in natural track luge on Saturday in Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente (ITA), sporting history was made. In the doubles event, Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) secured the overall World Cup victory, marking Austria’s first overall win in the doubles category in 18 years.

Carreer highlight: Overall worldcup winner Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT)

Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente (FIL/22.02.2025) – Second place in the World Cup final on the 785-metre-long natural luge track "Pföslriep" was enough for Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger to claim their first overall World Cup title in doubles. With three victories at the start of the season, the Styrians laid the foundation for this success. In the end, they secured the large crystal globe with 625 points, ahead of world champions Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA/595) and Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA/565). "Due to the mild temperatures, the ice on the track was quite soft, which caused us problems today. Second place was the maximum we could achieve," analysed Pichler after the race. "The overall victory is the crowning conclusion of a fantastic season. We are proud to bring the globe back to Austria," said an elated Edlinger. The last overall winners in the doubles category from Austria were Christian Schatz/Gerhard Mühlbacher in the 2006/2007 season.

Winners of the day: Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA)

Third Season Victory for Lambacher/Lambacher

With a total time of 2:01.19 minutes and the best time in both runs, the day's victory went to Matthias and Peter Lambacher. For the brothers, it was their third win of the season after a slow start. Pichler/Edlinger (+0.65 seconds) and Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (+1.15) completed the podium.

Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) finish third in overall world cup

Showdown on Sunday

In the final training session for the singles, Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) and Fabian Brunner (ITA) set the fastest times. In the women's category, Lanthaler is already confirmed as the overall World Cup winner, while in the men's category, Michael Scheikl (AUT) leads with 495 points ahead of Florian Clara (ITA/490). In the final training session, Clara, in second place, was 0.06 seconds faster than Scheikl, who finished third.

On Sunday, Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente will host the thrilling showdown between Scheikl and Clara. Additionally, it will be an emotional career finale for Lanthaler, Scheikl, Clara, Patrick Pigneter (ITA), Tina Unterberger (AUT), and Florian Markt (AUT).

The race will be broadcast live on the website of the International Luge Federation FIL.

Top 3 Doubles Final Standings
1.    Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA) – 2:01.19 minutes
2.    Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) +0.65 seconds
3.    Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) +1.15 seconds

Top 3 Overall World Cup Doubles Standings (7/7)
1.    Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) – 625 points
2.    Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA) – 595 points
3.    Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) – 565 points

Schedule: *
Sunday, 23 February
09:30 – 1st Women's Run 
10:00 – 1st Men's Run 
11:00 – 2nd Women's Run, followed by Flower Ceremony 
11:30 – Morning gathering in the festival tent with live band 
11:45 – 2nd Men's Run, followed by Flower Ceremony 
13:15 – Team Event, followed by Flower Ceremony 
14:00 – Awards Ceremony for Women, Men, and Team Event in the finish area 
15:00 – Awards Ceremony for Overall World Cup Standings
*Subject to change