There is a new track this winter in the racing calendar of the International Luge Federation FIL. The "Tonnerboden"-track in Jaufental/Val Giovo (ITA) is the venue for the FIL luge World Cup on natural track from January 12th to 15th. Because the World Cup in Mariazell (AUT) was re-scheduled in Jaufental/Val Giovo, there is even a double World Cup.

Jaufental/Val Giovo (FIL/10.01.2023) The "Tonnerboden"-track can look back on a short but stellar career: After the premiere in the Junior World Cup in 2020, the Junior European Champions were crowned in February 2021, and one year later the Junior World Championships took place. The next step towards the FIL World Cup in the General Class was therefore only logical.

In the women's singles, the role of favorite is clear: Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) is the serial winner in the World Cup and the 31-year-old could celebrate her 40th World Cup victory in the second race on Sunday. After two races, Lanthaler leads the overall standings with a maximum of 200 points, ahead of Tina Unterberger (AUT/155 points) and Nadine Staffler (ITA/145).

In the men's singles, the season winners Thomas Kammerlander (AUT) and Michael Scheikl (AUT) as well as the local heroes Alex Gruber (ITA), Florian Clara (ITA) and Patrick Pigneter (ITA) are among the favourites. In the overall standings, Scheikl (185 points) leads ahead of Kammerlander (170) and Gruber (145). Kammerlander could celebrate his 25th World Cup victory in the night race on Saturday.

In the doubles there will probably be a duel between Patrick Pigneter/Florian Clara (ITA) and Patrick Lambacher/Matthias Lambacher (ITA). The Lambacher brothers are leading the overall standings with 200 points, ahead of Pigneter/Clara (170) and Fabian Achenrainer/Miguel Brugger (AUT/140). It should be noted, however, that only junior world cups have taken place in Jaufental so far and that the atheltes in the general class lack racing practice on the “Tonnerboden”-track. So there might even be a surprise or two.

The races will be broadcast live on the FIL homepage at www.fil-luge.org

The program of the FIL World Cup in natural track luge in Jaufental/Val Giovo (ITA)

Thursday, 01/12/2023
Training singles/doubles (from 5 p.m.)

Friday, 01/13/2023
Training single seater (from 10 a.m.)
First run doubles (12.30 p.m.)
Final run doubles (1.30 p.m.), followed by the award ceremony

Saturday, 01/14/2023
First run doubles (2 p.m.)
Final run doubles (3 p.m.), followed by the award ceremony
First run men’s singles (6 p.m.)
First run women’s singles (6.50 p.m.)
Final run men’s singles (7.30 p.m.)
Final run women's singles (8.15 p.m.), followed by award ceremonies

Sunday, 01/15/2022
First run men’s singles (10 a.m.)
First run women’s singles (11 a.m.)
Final run men‘s singles (11.45 a.m.)
Final run women's singles (12.30 p.m.), followed by award ceremonies