A successful start to the new year for the Austrian doubles pairing Maximilian Pichler and Nico Edlinger (AUT) at the FIL Natural Track Luge World Cup in Laas/Lasa (ITA). The leaders of the World Cup standings claimed Austria’s first-ever doubles victory on the "Gafair" track on Sunday.

Historic victory for Pichler/Edlinger in Laas/Lasa

Laas/Lasa (FIL/05.01.2025) – Maximilian Pichler and Nico Edlinger kept their cards close to their chest during the morning training session, but in the afternoon race, the reigning European champions clocked the fastest time of 1:08.60 minutes. This marked the duo's third World Cup victory in as many races this season, as well as Austria’s maiden doubles win on the 850-metre "Gafair" track at the edge of the Stelvio National Park. Last year’s winners, Matthias Lambacher and Peter Lambacher, finished second, just 0.09 seconds behind, ahead of the fastest in training, Tobias Paur and Andreas Hofer (ITA), who were 0.73 seconds off the pace.

Pichler and Edlinger remain in the World Cup leader’s jersey with 300 points, followed by Paur/Hofer (240 points) and Lambacher/Lambacher (225 points).
"It was a close call today, and the victory came as a bit of a surprise for us. We didn’t feel very comfortable during the morning training session, and while the race wasn’t perfect either, it was significantly better," analysed Pichler. Edlinger refrained from embracing the role of favourites for the upcoming home World Championships in Kühtai in two weeks: "The competition isn’t resting. We can’t afford to sit back on our laurels and will continue working hard."

On Monday, the singles races will take place in Laas/Lasa.

Top 3 Doubles Results
1.    Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) – 1:08.60 minutes
2.    Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA) – +0.09 seconds
3.    Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) – +0.73 seconds

Schedule
Monday, January 6th
10:00 am: Women’s Singles 1st Run
10:30 am: Men’s Singles 1st Run
11:30 am: Women’s Singles Final Run, followed by Flower Ceremony
12:15 pm: Men’s Singles Final Run, followed by Flower Ceremony and Awards Ceremony for Women and Men