Oberhof (pps) The costs to modernise the old and venerable ice labyrinth amounted to four million Euros. Everything has been updated to the latest state of technology, tickets for the stands at the finish line on all three competition days are sold-out and the school project with all participating nations will ensure a great atmosphere. Thus, Oberhof is well prepared to turn the 40th FIL Luge World Championships on January 25-27, 2008 into a veritable festival. “We’re all set and we’re waiting feverishly for the start of the first run”, explained OC President Bernd Roßmann.

At the stadium all stands, containers and further installations have already been set up. And at the Oberhof spa gardens and health resort preparations for an impressive opening ceremony as well as all victory ceremonies are in full swing. Approximately 250 volunteers are gearing up for the World Championships. Apart from 60 security guards, 30 referees, 100 service staff members, the organising team further comprises 15 tellers, ten drivers as well as 30 soldiers and members of the mountain rescue service.

So far, 25 nations have entered the World Championships: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Moldavia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, USA, and Venezuela. A total of 42 men, 36 women, 24 doubles’ teams and 77 officials are to be found on the entry lists. At the 2007 World Championships in Igls, Austria, a total of 27 nations participated.

The solemn victory ceremonies and the draws will be carried out at the Oberhof spa gardens and health park on the evenings of January 25 and 26. On the last day of the World Championships, the victory ceremonies will be carried out directly at the track.