Berchtesgaden (pps) As tried and tested in the past few years, President Josef Fendt has invited the so-called „Expert Group“ artificial track of the International Luge Federation (FIL) to meet again before the 2005/2006 Olympic winter.

On Friday, April 22, the committee, which is made up of officials, coaches, athletes, sponsors and media representatives, will meet in Berchtesgaden to discuss the outcome of the reforms decided on by the 2004 FIL Congress, the competition system in general, changes with regard to FIL championships (European and World Championships), the team relay competition, the Challenge Cup rules, and many other issues. It is the purpose of this meeting to supply food for thought and pave the way for further improvements.

Participants in the meeting include three-time Olympic champion Georg Hackl (GER), the chairman of the Sports Commission Karl Zenker (GER) and Walter Plaikner (ITA), chairman of the Technical Commission as well as head coach of his home country.