For years, Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) has set the benchmark in natural track luge. But with the conclusion of the 2024/2025 FIL World Cup season, the record-breaking athlete has drawn a line under her exceptional career, retiring with a staggering 58 victories to her name. With the queen of the ice bowing out, the top spot is suddenly wide open. So who will lead the women's field in the seasons to come?

The last fife years of her carreer Evelin Lanthaler was unbeaten

Berchtesgaden (FIL/22 May 2025) Since the 2018/2019 season, Lanthaler had dominated the sport like no other, winning every race but one – a rare second-place finish in January 2020 at Vatra Dornei (ROU) behind compatriot Greta Pinggera. Whether in the World Cup, World Championships or European Championships, the outcome was almost always the same: Evelin Lanthaler on the top step of the podium. Now, with her departure, a new generation of athletes is eyeing the crown. Riccarda Ruetz (AUT), Daniela Mittermair (ITA) and Lisa Walch (GER) weigh in on who could emerge as the new face of women’s luge.

Currently based in Graz, Riccarda Ruetz is undergoing training with the Austrian police sports division and will only fully shift her focus to pre-season preparations once that is complete. The 21-year-old, runner-up at the recent World Championships, has already enjoyed a brief off-season getaway to Dubai. When it comes to naming a new favourite, she remains diplomatic: "I’ve learned to focus on myself and to bring out the best in me," she says.

Silver medalist at the World Championships 2025 Riccarda Ruetz

Daniela Mittermair wrapped up the 2024/2025 season in third overall, behind the now-retired Lanthaler and Austria’s Tina Unterberger. Her off-season training is already well underway.
"I try to keep my dryland sessions varied – gym work, cycling, hiking. I mostly train in the evenings and on weekends, since I work full-time throughout the summer," explains the 25-year-old, who will rejoin the national team’s training programme in June. Mittermair is aware that the post-Lanthaler era offers a rare opportunity for the field to reset.
"I see my teammate Nadine Staffler as a strong contender, as well as Riccarda Ruetz and Lisa Walch. But also the younger talents in our squad – Lotte Mulser, who won the overall Junior World Cup, Tina Stuffer, the Junior European Champion, and Jenny Castiglioni, who took bronze at the 2025 World Championships." She adds: "This season, mental strength will be just as important as physical preparation – none of us has ever been in a position to fight for a World Cup title. It’s going to be a thrilling battle, and I hope we push each other to deliver our very best."
While others dream of the beach, Mittermair prefers mountain escapes. Her favourite summits? The Große Cirspitze (2,592m) and the Latemar (2,842m).

Daniela Mittermair finished third in the overall standings 2024/2025

Meanwhile, Lisa Walch is combining business with preparation, working as a fitness trainer while getting ready for the season. The 23-year-old sees the Italian squad – including Mittermair, Staffler and others – as key challengers, along with Ruetz. "But Evelin (Lanthaler) will always be my biggest role model. I hope that one day I can look back on my own career with similar pride."

Keeping the german flag flying: Lisa Walch

On the men’s side, several long-time favourites – Florian Clara (ITA), Michael Scheikl (AUT) and Patrick Pigneter (ITA) – have also announced their retirement. In June, the spotlight will turn to the new generation of athletes vying to fill the void and lead the next era of natural track luge.