At the opening of the FIL Luge World Cup on natural track in Kühtai (AUT), Patrick Pigneter (ITA) reached a milestone for the history books. The 36-year-old celebrated his 50th World Cup victory in men’s singles on Sunday. Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) won the women’s singles.

50th World Cup victory for Patrick Pigneter

Kühtai (FIL/December 17th, 2023) Photo finish on the 730-meter-long Kühtai track: In the first run, Patrick Pigneter took the lead in 54.44 seconds, just 0.05 seconds ahead of Michael Scheikl (AUT). In the finale, the Styrian went all in and confidently took the lead, but Pigneter withstood the pressure and saved a thin lead of 0.02 seconds across the finish line. This marked the 50th World Cup victory for the South Tyrolean, exactly 19 years after his first victory in Lungiarü/Campill (ITA). “The 50th World Cup victory was my big goal. I wouldn't have thought it would happen in the first race of the season,” explained Pigneter during the winner's interview. Michael Scheikl showed himself to be a fair sportsman and congratulated: “Compliments to Patrick, it's amazing to compete at such a high level. Thinking about the two hundredths is pointless, starting the new season with second place is great, I'm very satisfied."

Happy faces on the podium (from left): Michael Scheikl (AUT), Patrick Pigneter (ITA) and Florian Clara (ITA)

Florian Clara (ITA) came third, Pigneter's former doubles partner was in fifth place at half time, and the 35-year-old made it onto the podium with the best time in the second run. Matthias Lambacher (ITA), who won the doubles race with his brother Peter on Saturday, slipped to fourth place.

As expected, in the women's singles, Evelin Lanthaler (ITA) was a class of her own. With best time in both runs, the World Champion continued her winning streak, ahead of local hero Riccarda Ruetz (AUT) and Tina Unterberger (AUT). For Lanthaler it was the 44th World Cup victory, for Ruetz it was the second podium finish after third place in Mariazell (AUT) in 2022. “It was simply a perfect day, the scenery, the temperature, everything was perfect. I showed two very good runs,” Lanthaler analyzed. “I'm super happy, I could hear the spectators cheering me during the run, an indescribable feeling. I’m looking forward to the next race,” says Ruez.

Evelin Lanthaler on the Kühtai-track

13 nations were represented at the World Cup opener in Kühtai. In the new year the FIL World Cup in natural track luge will continue on January 6th/7th in Lasa/Lasa (ITA).

Top 5 men’s singles
1. Patrick Pigneter (ITA), 1:49.25 minutes
2. Michael Scheikl (AUT), +0.02 seconds
3. Florian Clara (ITA), +0.46
4. Matthias Lambacher (ITA), +0.61
5. Stefan Federer (SUI), +0.71

Top 5 women’s singles
1. Evelin Lanthaler (ITA), 1:50.18 minutes
2. Riccarda Ruetz (AUT), +1.26 seconds
3. Tina Unterberger (AUT), +1.53
4. Daniela Mittermair (ITA), +2.00
5. Tina Stuffer (ITA), +3.17