Three nations on the result lists: Germany, Canada and Italy
Altenberg (pps) The moment that the Team Relay Event of the International Luge Federation made its debut on the Olympic stage, even the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was present. At the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games, Belgium’s Jacques Rogge praised the team events as “innovative” and “boding well for the future”. Apart from the mixed team events in biathlon, ski jumping and in Alpine skiing he specifically mentioned the FIL Team Relay Event.
Thus, the Team Relay Event passed its “Olympic baptism of fire” with flying colors. The following nations won the Viessmann Team Relay World Cup events presented by INTERSPORT: Germany (Whistler, Oberhof and Winterberg), Canada (Igls) and Italy (Koenigssee)
A German quartet took the relay title at the World Championships in 2008 and 2009. This is why it seems to be a logical consequence that the protégés of head coach Norbert Loch are again considered the top medal contenders at the upcoming third edition on February 12, 2012 (start at 13:40 hrs). By the way, Germany already took the overall victory in the Viessmann Luge World Cup before the last event in Sigulda, Latvia.
Apart from the three winning nations (Germany, Canada and Italy) further three achieved podium finishes in the World Cup: the U.S. quartet claimed a second place in Winterberg, Russia posted four third place results (Igls, Whistler, Koenigssee and Oberhof) and Latvia earned a third place finish in Winterberg. Even though Austria’s relay team failed to climb the rostrum this winter, they are still among the medal contenders – specifically so in Altenberg.
