Innsbruck-Igls (pps) Exactly 311 days after the conclusion of the impressive 2007 FIL Luge World Championships, the artificially-iced track in Innsbruck-Igls is again preparing for the next highlight. At the Viessmann Luge World Cup next weekend (December 15-16, 2007) the Austrian Luge Federation, ÖRV, intends to tie up to the festive atmosphere of the World Championships that attracted 15,000 spectators who created a truly impressive setting in February. “We want to make our visitors feel at home. We can promise that the spectators won’t get bored,” announced Mag. Friedl Ludescher, President of the Austrian Luge Federation.

Apart from thrilling competitions on the artificially iced track the organisers have put together an attractive and eventful social programme. Responsible for this feat are Austria’s luge legend Markus Prock and Christoph Schweiger, media officer artificial track with the Austrian Luge Federation. “The spectators at the track will have the chance to watch skydiving and air shows. And our local ice hockey club will be available for an autograph session.

”The undisputed highlight of the Saturday programme will be the live act of Verena Poelzl, winner of “Starmania”, an Austrian version of “pop idol”. The rock singer will give an one-hour long performance in a heated pavilion set up near the finish line. Additionally, a disco will be run by the Austrian radio broadcaster ORF, a VIP celebrity race on the track as of curve ten as well as an attractive sweepstake will be organised on both competition days with free entrance for all luge fans.

The organisers have even kept the young luge enthusiasts in mind – on the weekend a kid’s tent and, weather permitting, a luge track for children will be set up, supervised by experts. And even the first harbinger of the upcoming Christmas holiday season will be noticeable at the kid’s tent.