Lake Placid (pps) Erin Hamlin, Bengt Walden and Christian Niccum/Dan Joye are the winners of the US national championships recently held in Lake Placid, USA, as the season’s last event. Erin Hamlin, who finished seventh in the 2007/2008 Viessmann World Cup rankings, captured the event’s gold medal ahead of Ashley Walden (silver) and Anastasia Young (bronze). Bengt Walden won his first US national title ahead of Robby Huerbin and Tony Benshoof. In doubles, Niccum/Joye won ahead of Matt Mortensen/Preston Griffall and Chris Mazdzer/Jayson Terdiman.

These results already earned Erin Hamlin, Ashley and Bengt Walden, Robby Huerbin and Niccum/Joye spots on USA Luge’s team for the 2008/2009 luge season. The season’s highlight will be the 41st FIL World Championships, which will take place in the two-time Olympic city of Lake Placid.