Berchtesgaden (pps) New beginners will have to overcome higher hurdles in the future if they wish to take part in the training of the Viessmann Luge World Cup. Before the coming season, the successful participation in one of two so-called luge schools, which the International Luge Federation (FIL) will offer in the fall on the artificial tracks in Lillehammer and Sigulda under the direction of experienced coaches, will be mandatory
During its meeting in Berchtesgaden, the expert group proposed this innovation to the FIL Executive Board. The Executive Board of the world federation is meeting this coming weekend (April 29-30th) in Bruneck (Italy) and will probably decide on tightening the starting process.
In addition, the expert group, which is a committee of mixed individuals consisting of officials, coaches, athletes, sponsors and media representatives, spoke in favour of further innovations in the World Cup, suggested a modified mode for the Challenge Cup and discussed improvements by the continuation of tests with regards to the so-called relay races.
Some of the participants in the meeting included Georg Hackl (Germany) as three-time Olympic champion, coach Wolfgang Schädler (USA), Walter Marx (Slovakia) and Thomas Schwab (Germany) as well as both Commission Chairpersons Karl Zenker (Sport Commission / GER) and Walter Plaikner (Technical Commission / ITA).