(ck) - FIL President Josef Fendt was one of the approximately 1500 spectators watching the natural track luge World Cup opening in Latzfons in Italy last weekend. He found positive words for the event which for the first time had been held in the new, still being tested, format: “The organizing committee did an amazing job, the whole event in Latzfons has been a great advertisement for the natural track luge sport. The new format has worked well and I believe it will increase the excitement of the sport.” This experienced some of top athletes almost too close to home: the current World Champion Gerald Kammerlander (AUT) as well as Italy’s Evelin Lanthaler and Hannes Clara missed the qualification for the world cup and had to compete in the new Nation’s Cup. But the new rules which do not allow a mistake and by which one bad run can cost all world cup points, were also welcomed by the athletes, because the races will be more attractive. President Fendt is also confident: “I was very satisfied with the whole event. The interest among the spectators was enormous and I think we have made a step in the right direction”.