Happy faces at the finish area of the "Gafair" track in Laas/Lasa (ITA). On Monday afternoon, Florian Clara (ITA) celebrated his first World Cup victory in the men's singles – after 18 years in the World Cup.
Laas/Lasa (FIL/06.01.2025) Patience pays off. At the age of 36, Florian Clara stands atop the podium in the men’s singles for the first time. After the first run, the veteran was in second place, just 0.11 seconds behind his former doubles partner, Patrick Pigneter (ITA). In the second run, Clara set the fastest time, while the halfway leader, Pigneter, dropped to sixth in the final standings.
After an incredible 68 victories alongside Pigneter in the doubles, Clara finally achieved a World Cup win in the singles. Over the past few years, the athlete from Val Badia has consistently been among the top competitors in the singles. He finished fourth in the overall World Cup standings in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons and climbed to third in the 2023/2024 season. Clara made his World Cup debut in the 2005/2006 season in doubles and contested his first singles World Cup races in the 2006/2007 season.
"It took a while, but I’m glad I finally managed to win. This time, luck was on my side," said the modest "Flo." His true sportsmanship was on full display during the awards ceremony, as competitors, coaches, and companions celebrated Florian Clara’s first victory.
Last year’s winner, Daniel Gruber (ITA), secured second place, while Michael Scheikl (AUT) took third. Scheikl had won the first two World Cups in Winterleiten (AUT) in December. Scheikl now leads the overall standings with 270 points, followed by Clara (230) and Alex Oberhofer (ITA, 216).
Triple Victory for the Azzurre
In the women’s singles, serial winner Evelin Lanthaler reinforced her dominance. With the fastest times in both runs and a total time of 2:07.09 minutes, the reigning world champion celebrated her 54th World Cup victory, ahead of her teammates Daniela Mittermair (+1.65 seconds) and Nadine Staffler (+2.01 seconds).
"The first run today was solid, but the second run was good. I feel in great shape and look forward to the World Championships in two weeks," said Lanthaler. In the all-time rankings, Lanthaler is now just one victory behind Ekaterina Lavrenteva (RUS, 55 victories).
From 17–19 January, the 25th World Championships in natural track luge will take place in Kühtai (AUT), followed by the next World Cup in Mariazell (AUT) on 25/26 January.
Top 3 Men’s Singles:
1. Florian Clara (ITA) 2:06.31 minutes
2. Daniel Gruber (ITA) +0.41 seconds
3. Michael Scheikl (AUT) +0.65 seconds
Top 3 Women’s Singles:
1. Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) 2:07.09 minutes
2. Daniela Mittermair (ITA) +1.65 seconds
3. Nadine Staffler (ITA) +2.01 seconds
