At the opening of the FIL Luge Junior World Cup on natural track in Winterleiten (AUT) on December 30th and 31st, 2022, the "Azzurri" achieved a historic result. In the men's singles, the lugers from Italy celebrated a fivefold victory, and victory in the doubles also went to Italy. The hosts cheered in the women's singles.

Historic podium in Winterleiten

Winterleiten (FIL/12/31/2022) Historic success for Italy at the start of the FIL Junior World Cup in natural track luge in Winterleiten (AUT). On New Year's Eve, Alex Oberhofer (ITA), with the best time in both runs, led a fivefold victory for the "Azzurri" in 2:05.68 minutes. Junior world champion Fabian Brunner (+0.82 seconds) and Hannes Unterholzner (+1.35) follow in the places of honor. Behind them, two other teammates, Tobias Paur and Anton Gruber Genetti, lined up. Sebastian Feldhammer (AUT) follows in sixth place.

Alex Oberhofer (ITA) is the winner at the opening of the Juniors World Cup

Two Italians were also on the podium in the women's singles, but Riccarda Ruetz (AUT) was at the top. The Tyrolean showed an outstanding first run, in the second run she was able to save the victory in 2:10.39 minutes with fourth best time. Tina Stuffer (ITA) follows in second place, just 0.07 seconds behind, while her teammate Jenny Castiglioni (+0.54 seconds) was third.

The fastest woman: Riccarda Ruetz (AUT)

In the doubles on Friday, last season's dominators Anton Gruber Genetti/Hannes Unterholzner (ITA) were at the top of the podium, closely followed by the junior world champions Matevz Vertelj/Vid Kralj (SLO/+0.10 seconds). Third place for Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA).

In the new year, the Junior World Cup will continue on January 4th and 5th in Passeiertal/ Val Passiria (ITA).

Results JWC Winterleiten

Men’s singles
1. Alex Oberhofer (ITA), 2.05,68 minutes
2. Fabian Brunner (ITA) +0.82 seconds
3. Hannes Unterholzner (ITA) +1.35 seconds

Women’s singles
1. Riccarda Ruetz (AUT) 2.10,39 minutes
2. Tina Stuffer (ITA) +0.07 seconds
3. Jenny Castiglioni (ITA) +0.54 seconds

Doubles
1. Anton Gruber Genetti/Hannes Unterholzner (ITA) 1.07,41 minutes
2. Matevz Vertelj/Vid Kralj (SLO) +0.10 seconds
3. Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) +0.86 seconds