Italy dominated the FIL Alpine Luge World Cup in the Passeier Valley/Val Passiria (ITA). After the hosts claimed victory in the doubles event on Saturday through Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA), the “Azzurri” were again celebrating on Sunday. In the singles events, Nadine Staffler (ITA) and Hannes Unterholzner (ITA) both secured their maiden World Cup victories.

(from left) Riccarda Ruetz (AUT), Nadine Staffler (ITA) and Lisa Walch (GER)

Passeier (FIL/04 January 2026) There was a new winner in the women’s singles: Nadine Staffler (ITA) clearly feels at home on the “Bergkristall” track. With the fastest time in both runs and a combined time of 1:51.13 minutes, the 25-year-old claimed her first World Cup win in commanding fashion. “I like this track, I love the speed in the lower section. Now I can head into the next races with an even bigger smile,” said a delighted Staffler. Riccarda Ruetz (AUT) moved up to second place with a blistering second run (+0.20 seconds), while Lisa Walch (GER) finished third (+0.44) to celebrate her first podium of the winter.

In the overall standings, Ruetz leads with 285 points, ahead of Nina Castiglioni (ITA/220) and Staffler (200).

Fourfold victory for the Azzurri

The men’s singles event provided drama right to the end. After the first run, Hannes Unterholzner and Fabian Brunner (both ITA) were joint leaders. In the final run, Daniel Gruber (ITA) initially took the lead with a strong performance, with Brunner slotting in behind his team-mate. On the 874-metre natural track “Bergkristall”, it first looked as though Gruber would claim his second win of the season. However, Unterholzner produced a stunning final section, reaching a top speed of 86 km/h, and clinched his first World Cup victory with a total time of 1:48.57 minutes, just 0.03 seconds ahead. “I stood on the podium for the first time in Winterleiten, now it’s my first win. This year is simply going really well,” said the 21-year-old. Unterholzner led an Italian one–two–three–four, ahead of Daniel Gruber (+0.03 sec), Fabian Brunner (+0.51) and Mathias Troger (+0.70).

(from left) Daniel Gruber (ITA), Hannes Unterholzner (ITA) and Fabian Brunner (ITA)

In the overall standings, Gruber leads with 255 points, followed by Unterholzner (240) and Fabian Achenrainer (AUT/215).

The FIL Alpine Luge World Cup remains in South Tyrol: from 16–18 January, a classic World Cup event is scheduled in Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente (ITA).

Passeier Valley – Top 3 Men’s Singles
1.    Hannes Unterholzner (ITA), 1:48.57 minutes
2.    Daniel Gruber (ITA), +0.03 seconds
3.    Fabian Brunner (ITA), +0.51

Passeier Valley – Top 3 Women’s Singles
1.    Nadine Staffler (ITA), 1:51.13 minutes
2.    Riccarda Ruetz (AUT), +0.20 seconds
3.    Lisa Walch (GER), +0.44

Overall standings – Women’s Singles
1.    Riccarda Ruetz (AUT), 285 points
2.    Nina Castiglioni (ITA), 220
3.    Nadine Staffler (ITA), 200

Overall standings – Men’s Singles
1.    Daniel Gruber (ITA), 255 points
2.    Hannes Unterholzner (ITA), 240
3.    Fabian Achenrainer (AUT), 215