Berchtesgaden (pps) Lugers from all continents are allowed to compete at the European Luge Championships at Winterberg, Germany, on January 20-22. Titles and medals in the women’s men’s and doubles’ events can only be gained by European athletes, however.
This was decided by the International Luge Federation, FIL, last summer. Should non-European athletes achieve places on the podium, they will receive honorary prizes. In addition, two result lists will be produced: one overall list and one with the European classification.

A new system for FIL Championships will be tested at Winterberg. Only the 20 best-placed athletes after the first heat in all three disciplines will be allowed to compete in the final heat. The starting order in the second heat is based on the result of the first heat from 20-1.