The preparations for the 18th FIL World Championships on natural track are underway. Athletes, volunteers, officials and fans of the national luge training center Grantau-Umhausen are equally excited and looking forward to a well organized event at the luge-mekka in the Ötztal region. Ten years have gone by since Austria hosted FIL World Championships on natural track the last time. In 2001 the championships were held in Stein/Enns in Styria. Renate Gietl (ITA), who will come to Umhausen as the reigning World Champion and title defender could win the silver medal in 2001 already. Furthermore, Patrick Pigneter (ITA) in the men’s single event as well as together with his congenial partner Florian Clara (ITA) in the doubles’ event will be title defenders. In summer 2009 the experienced organising committee headed by state parliament delegate and mayor of Umhausen, Jakob Wolf and head of the regional luge club Bruno Kammerlander started their preparations for the event: “We want to create perfect conditions for everybody. Athletes, fans, officials, the media and all their companions, we want everybody to feel welcome here, enjoy our hospitality and experience an attractive event on a top level.” The FIL will be represented by General Secretary Svein Romstand, who will come from the USA, as well as other high officials. Ever since its foundation in 1999, the training center Grantau has managed to establish an excellent reputation nationally as well as internationally. They organized several major events including European Junior Championships (2000), FIL Youth Games (2004), European Championships (2006), IC-Cup (2005) as well as seven world cup races. “We are a great team, our track crew works throughout the year to provide ideal track conditions. In regards of the World Championships we upgraded the finish house and reconsidered the traffic pattern as well as the parking facilities”, says Simone Kammerlander-Prantl, secretary general of the organising committee. In the run up to the WCH a lot of promotional activities have taken place. On the prestigious National Day of Sport in Vienna, the training center Grantau-Umhausen had its own boot; they were also present at the traditional soccer game “Austria vs. Italy” in summer and under www.rodelbahn-grantau.at contesters can win a Hyundai I10 and many more prizes in a sweepstake. It is definitely worth a try. The official website also offers information about the race schedule, the entry forms, track info and a lot more. Photos: © Kammerlander