The 30th European Championships in natural track luge will be held in February 2024 in Jaufental/Val Giovo (ITA). For the "newcomer" on the map of World Cup hosts, the first title fights in the general class are another milestone. OC boss Walter Volgger answers questions.

Night-view of the start section on the Tonnerboden-track

Jaufental/Val Giovo (FIL/23.08.2023) FIL: After the Junior World Cup, Junior European Championships, Junior World Championships and the double World Cup in the 2022/2023 season, the first general class European Championships will be held in about six months. Was this development a logical step?
Walter Volgger: “Not necessarily, we just didn't expect it. But we had done an excellent job at the competitions in recent years and we are now simply delighted that the FIL called us for the 2024 European Championships".

FIL: How is the mood in the OC team?
Volgger: “The mood here is very good, we have already done some preparatory work and discussed details. We all want to make a good impression.”

FIL: At the World Cup premiere in January there was a night race, and there were also a lot of spectators from the surrounding area. There is no lack of support from the public...
Volgger: “That's right, there were a lot of spectators at the track during the night race. This shows that the public administration and the population are enthusiastic about sports and stand behind the Wipptal Luge Centre.”

FIL: The facility has been further developed every year, from the heated start house to the natural grandstand in the finish area of the Tonnerboden-track, just to name a few examples. What can athletes and fans look forward to at the European Championships in February?
Volgger: "I don't want to reveal everything, but one thing is certain: we will have better lighting in the outdoor area at the start and in the parking spaces near the finish area, so that it will be easier for coaches and athletes to prepare their equipment. Otherwise, we focus on a few aesthetic details to make the whole facility look even more beautiful.”

FIL: In the history of the track, only one World Championship in the general class is missing. Is that the goal?
Volgger: “To call it a goal sounds exagerated becaus we still have to grow as an OC and everything around. Now we're focussed on the World Cup and the European Championships in February, then we'll see what the future brings. But it's true, we're fancying to the idea of a World Cup in a few years."

Many thanks to OC boss Walter Volgger for the interview.

The 30th European Championships in natural track luge will take place on February 3rd and 4th, immediately after the fourth stage of the FIL World Cup in natural track luge in Jaufental on February 1st and 2nd.