Preview season 2018/19: Interview with Peter Knauseder

The countdown for the upcoming FIL Luge World Cup on natural track has started. The season 2018/19 begins on the weekend of December 15th and 16th in Kühtai (AUT). A few days before the take-off we talked to Mr. Peter Knauseder, the Vice-President of the International Luge Federation FIL and head of the local organizing commiteee in Kühtai, about what to expect from the upcoming season.

FIL: Due to the lack of snow the schedule had to be changed, the first event takes place in Kühtai two weeks later. What is the situation on track right now?
Peter Knauseder: It´s looking fine, the track is icy and sharp. We are ready to race. 

FIL: What do you expect from the season 2018/19?
PK: The World Cup 2018/19 is, as you all know, a special season, because of the World Championships in Latzfons (ITA) from January 31st to February 3rd. This is obviously the highlight of the year.

FIL: Are there any further highlights?
PK: Of course everything depends on the championship-race. Each of the six venues will have its own highlights. We are very proud to announce that the World Cup will come back to Moscow. Moscow is very important for us, for the whole luge-family. I think, the overall standing will be decided not before the last race in Umhausen (AUT) in February. 

FIL: How is the youth-sector developing?
PK: The Junior Luge World Cup is very important for us, this competition round begins in January and has a good reputation. For young athletes it is fundamental to compete on an international level! The highlights are the Junior European Championships in Umhausen (AUT) in February. 
 

FIL: What is the situation for the local organizing committees?
PK: I think they are doing a great job. Up to 150 volunteers are helping and working for weeks to organize the event, not only during the World Cup-weekend. We as FIL stand very close by the local organizing committees. The competitions are developing in the right direction, they become more professional every year. That´s why I am convinced, the World Cup 2018/19 will be a further step to bring us to the next level, in terms of organization, administration and last but not least in terms of sports competition.

The World Cup Calendar 2018/19
15. – 16. 12.2018: Kühtai (AUT)
11. – 13. 01.2019: St. Sebastian (AUT)
18.01. – 20.01.2019 Moskau (RUS)
25. – 27. 01.2019 Deutschnofen (ITA)
08. – 10.02.2019 Vatra Dornei (ROU)
14.02. – 16.02.2019 Umhausen (AUT)

31.01. – 03.02.2019 World Championships Latzfons (ITA)
22.02. – 24.02.2019 Junior European Championships Umhausen (AUT)