Sepp Benz Memorial Race in Sankt Moritz

Sankt Moritz (FIL) On Friday, 5 March 2021, the Olympic Bob Run St. Moritz-Celerina organised the international Sepp Benz Memorial Race for the first time. The Swiss Olympic champion and sports official had significantly influenced the sport of luge after the end of his active time as a bobsleigh athlete, among other things as a long-time chairman of the Sports Commission and member of the Executive Board of the International Luge Federation, FIL. Sepp Benz had died on 5 February 2021 in Zurich as a result of a Covid-19 disease. The new Sepp Benz Memorial Competition is to become a tradition at the end of each season in the coming years.

Luge athletes from the national teams of Italy, Germany and Switzerland took part in the competition premiere in honour of the Swiss Olympic champion and sports official. From the top start of the Swiss natural track, Felix Loch won the men's race and Julia Taubitz the women's race (both GER). From the Montis Bold start Andrea Vötter (ITA) and Robin Geueke/David Gamm (GER) were the fastest. Swiss lugers Natalie Maag from Top Start and Micha Rappel from Montis Bolt came in fourth and third.

Italy's sports director Armin Zoeggeler was pleased: "We were here in Switzerland all week with the national team for training. The final race in honour of Sepp Benz was a great thing for us". His German colleague, headcoach Norbert Loch, added: "The Olympic Bob Run has put a lot of effort into the organisation and even donated a trophy for the winner. I am very happy that this emotional race will become a tradition. All in all, we had a great training week in Switzerland, already with a view to the 2022 World Cup here on natural ice".