Ice track in Bludenz officially opened

Bludenz (FIL) After two years of construction, the new artificial ice track in Bludenz (Austria) was iced for the first time in test operation at the end of the last winter season. At the start of the 2021/22 Olympic season, the currently most affordable ice track, which was built primarily for junior and youth sports, could now be officially opened.

The total cost of the track with 700 metres and six curves was around eight million euros. The new artificial ice track has a maximum gradient of 10.5 per cent. The difference in altitude is 43.3 metres, and the start is at 736.6 metres above sea level. There is a luge start, a bobsleigh and a skeleton start.

In his short speech, FIL President Einars Fogelis emphasised the importance of this innovative track for the FIL: "Bludenz is a successful reference for the construction of cost-effective artificial ice tracks also in other countries. The ice track is of great importance for Austria, but also for the neighbouring countries Switzerland and Liechtenstein and above all for youth work".

The International Luge Federation, FIL had supported this project with innovative technology in prefabricated construction, which was developed by the University of Innsbruck, from the very beginning. FIL Honorary President Josef Fendt received the Golden Medal of Merit of the Austrian Luge Federation for his commitment to this project.

FIL Group II will start training in Bludenz on 2 November. The first baptism of fire for the new ice track will be the Junior World Cup with Junior European Championships in January 2022.

The joy that this track is now ready was clearly noticeable among the many visitors to the opening ceremony on the Open Day. Especially Helmut Tagwerker, father of Olympic medalist Andrea Tagwerker, who as chairman of the local association had fought for an artificial track in Bludenz for over 40 years.

Photos: kristen-images