The starting signal for the FIL Junior World Cup in natural track luge was fired at Winterleiten (AUT) this weekend. At the dress rehearsal for the 2024 Junior World Championships, the favorites prevailed in all classes.

Podium doubles (from left): Peter Neupaur/Dominik Neupaur (SVK), Andreas Hofer/Tobias Paur (ITA) and Gabriel Halcin/Marian Budzak (SVK)

Winterleiten (FIL/December 31, 2023) The luge-hotspot Winterleiten was the fist venue of the Junior-World Cup in natural track luge on December 30th and 31st. The double-seater race was on the program on Saturday. Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) clearly prevailed against the Slovakians Peter Neupaur/Dominik Neupaur (+0.93 seconds) on the first day of the competition with best time in all sections in 1:07.85 minutes. For Paur/Hofer it was the third victory in the Junior World Cup. Third place for Gabriel Halcin/Marian Budzak (SVK).

In the women's singles local hero Riccarda Ruetz celebrated an undisputed victory on Sunday. With the best time in both runs Ruetz in 2:04,21 minutes clearly beat Jenny Castiglioni (ITA/+2.25 seconds). Her teammate Tina Stuffer finished third (+2.30).

In the men's singles Alex Oberhofer (ITA) was unbeatable. Last year's winner won on the last day of the year 2023 with best time in both runs in 2:01.23 minutes ahead of Ziga Kralj (SLO/+0.45 seconds) and his brother Vid Kralj (SLO/+1.91).

The Junior World Cup continues on January 4th and 5th in Ulten/Ultimo (ITA).