Slovenia’s Vid Kralj claimed his first-ever victory in the FIL Alpine Luge Junior World Cup on Sunday at Winterleiten (AUT). For the 19-year-old, it was his maiden win at this level.

First victory for Vid Kralj (SLO)

Winterleiten (FIL/28 December 2025) – On the 940-metre natural luge track in the Styrian Zirbenland region, Vid Kralj dominated the men’s singles competition. Recording the fastest time in both runs, the Slovenian secured his first Junior World Cup win in a total time of 2:03.38 minutes, ahead of Paolo Auer (AUT, +0.97 seconds) and Michael Noah Tinzl (ITA, +1.40). For both Auer and Tinzl, it was their first podium finish in the Junior World Cup.

In the women’s singles, Nina Castiglioni (ITA) lived up to her status as favourite. After finishing second twice at her World Cup debut one week earlier, the 16-year-old claimed victory in Winterleiten with a combined time of 2:05.86 minutes. Just a week ago, Castiglioni had taken two second places at her World Cup debut on the Winterleiten track. Alina Schaffenrath (AUT, +0.51 seconds) celebrated her first podium finish, improving by one position with the fastest time in the second run to finish second, ahead of last season’s overall winner Lotte Mulser (ITA, +1.07).

In the doubles event on Saturday, Anton Gruber Genetti/Alex Castiglioni (ITA) secured their first victory in a time of 1:07.33 minutes, ahead of Wojciech Kwiecinski/Patryk Hudy (POL, +2.17 seconds).

The Alpine Luge Junior World Cup continues on 5–6 January 2026 in the Passeier Valley/Val Passiria (ITA).