Paur/Hofer triumph at the World Cup in Umhausen

Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) claimed their third World Cup victory on Friday afternoon.

The 955-metre natural luge track “Grantau” in Umhausen (AUT) resembled a water slide in the clearly above-freezing temperatures. Only thanks to outstanding preparation beforehand was a fair and safe race possible. In the end, Tobias Paur and Andreas Hofer celebrated their first victory of the season.

Second victory in Umhausen for Paur/Hofer (ITA)

Umhausen (FIL/06.02.2026) The twelve demanding corners of the Grantau track seem to suit Tobias Paur and Andreas Hofer. With a time of 1:21.25 minutes, the 2024 Junior World Champions secured the third World Cup victory of their careers (Winterleiten 2024 / Umhausen 2025 / Umhausen 2026) and their first of this season. Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) finished second, just 0.10 seconds behind, while reigning European Champions and current World Cup leaders Peter Lambacher/Matthias Lambacher (ITA, +0.74) took third place, just ahead of the reigning Junior World Champions Gabriel Halcin/Samuel Halcin (SVK, +0.91).

(from left) Nico Edlinger/Maximilian Pichler (AUT), Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA), Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA) and in front Samuel Halcin/Gabriel Halcin (SVK)

“It was very special conditions on the track, but we were able to adapt well to the wet surface,” said Paur. Looking ahead to Saturday’s Eliminator, Hofer was confident: “I think we will also be fighting for the win.”

In the overall standings, Lambacher/Lambacher lead with 400 points, ahead of Paur/Hofer (390) and Pichler/Edlinger (385).

Halfway point in the singles events

In the singles competition, only the first run took place on Friday. Lisa Walch (GER) showed that her first World Cup victory is within reach. With a time of 1:16.65 minutes, the 24-year-old was the only athlete to go below the 1:17 mark. Tina Stuffer (ITA, +0.44 seconds), who was crowned Junior World Champion on the Grantau track last Sunday, is currently second. Lotte Mulser (ITA, +0.54) completes the provisional podium. The decisive second run will take place on Saturday.

In the men’s singles, the soft ice produced an unusual interim result. World Cup leader Daniel Gruber (ITA) leads with a time of 1:16.18 minutes, just ahead of Leon Auer (AUT, +0.11) and the fastest in training, Fabian Achenrainer (AUT, +0.28). Two more Austrians, Paolo Auer and Florian Freigassner, are also within striking distance ahead of Saturday’s second run.

The races on Saturday and Sunday, as well as the FIL Youth Games on Sunday in Umhausen, will be broadcast live on the website of the International Luge Federation FIL (www.fil-luge.org).

5th FIL Alpine Luge World Cup – Doubles, Umhausen (06.02.2026)
Top 4 Doubles
1.    Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) – 1:21.25 minutes
2.    Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) – +0.10 seconds
3.    Peter Lambacher/Matthias Lambacher (ITA) – +0.74
4.    Gabriel Halcin/Samuel Halcin (SVK) – +0.91

Overall standings (after 5 of 7 races)
1.    Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA) – 400 points
2.    Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) – 390
3.    Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) – 385
4.    Gabriel Halcin/Samuel Halcin (SVK) – 330

Programme (FIL World Cup and Eliminator)
Saturday, 7 February
09:00 Final run – Women’s singles, followed by flower ceremony
09:45 Final run – Men’s singles, followed by flower ceremony
10:45 Round of 32 – Eliminator Women’s singles
11:30 Round of 32 – Eliminator Men’s singles
12:45 Quarter-finals – Eliminator Doubles
13:30 Final – Eliminator Doubles, followed by flower ceremony
19:00 Prize-giving ceremony at the Umhausen Pavilion

Sunday, 8 February
08:45 Round of 16 – Eliminator Women’s singles
09:15 Round of 16 – Eliminator Men’s singles
11:00 Quarter-finals – Eliminator Women’s singles
11:30 Quarter-finals – Eliminator Men’s singles
13:15 Final – Eliminator Women’s singles, followed by flower ceremony
13:45 Final – Eliminator Men’s singles, followed by flower ceremony
16:30 Prize-giving ceremony at the Grantau finish area

Programme (FIL Youth Games)
Saturday, 7 February
14:00 1st training run
16:30 2nd training run
19:00 Opening of the FIL Youth Games 2026 at the Umhausen Pavilion

Sunday, 8 February
10:00 1st competition run – Youth 1 and 2
12:00 1st competition run – Youth 3 and 4
14:00 2nd competition run – Youth 1 to 4
16:30 Prize-giving ceremony at the Grantau finish area