The Wipptal Luge Centre in Jaufental/Val di Giovo (ITA) was the venue for the 35th FIL Youth Games on January 25th and 26th. This sports festival for young lugers aged between eight and 14 takes place every two years.

Young lugers living "fun and games" at the fullest (picture Lian Pitscheider/ASV Luses Gherdeina)

Jaufental/Val di Giovo (FIL, 27 January 2025) – On Sunday, the 650-metre-long “Tonnerboden” luge track presented challenging conditions, with snow and rain falling throughout the day. However, the poor weather did nothing to dampen the excellent atmosphere among the 79 young competitors. The sporting contest was held over a single timed run rather than the usual two.
The fastest time of the day in the boys’ category was set by Lukas Marzari (ITA) from ARC Ultental, who finished in at 57.16 seconds, ahead of Fabian Staffler (ITA/+0.80) from ASC Laas and Alex Castiglioni (ITA/+1.33) from ASV Latsch.

(from left) Fabian Staffler, Lukas Marzari and Alex Castiglioni

In the girls’ category, Laura Wegmann (ITA) from ASC Laas was unbeatable with a time of 58.00 seconds. She was followed by Luisa Praxmarer (AUT/+0.98) from SV Ried i. O. and Anna Fuchs (AUT/+1.09) from RC Kühtai Sellraintal.

(from left) Luisa Praxmarer, Laura Wegmann and Anna Fuchs

Organising committee chief Walter Volgger from ASV Jaufental gave a thoroughly positive review of the major event: “We are really happy – it was a fantastic sports festival. This was the first time we hosted the FIL Youth Games, and it was simply wonderful to see the enthusiasm with which these young lugers embraced the competition. Our thanks go to the International Luge Federation (FIL) for their trust, to our sponsors, and of course to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.”