WOF 2015#02: FIL - Natural Track Luge World Cup #1 Kühtai (AUT)
Natural track luge: action packed parallel race
World Cup 2014/15
Kühtai(AUT), December 13-14, 2014
Natural track luge – that’s suspense, high speed, and
winter sport in a classical style. This variation of luge looks back on
a long history and has developed from the first ever international luge
race at Davos, Switzerland, back in 1883. In the 1960s, artificial
track luge emerged as an own discipline. In the winter of 2014/15, the
world’s best natural track lugers compete at the World Cup and the World
Championships of the “Fédération Internationale de Luge de Course”
(FIL).
Unlike artificial luge tracks, natural tracks are
adapted from existing mountain roads and paths. Artificially banked
curves are not permitted. The track’s surface must be horizontal. As the
use of artificial refrigeration is forbidden, they are naturally iced.
Natural track luge requires a completely different technique than on an
artificial track. At the start, the athletes gain momentum by
“paddling”, dragging their hands on the ice to move forward. In order to
drive around the tight flat corners, athletes use a steering rein, drag
their hands and use their legs. Braking is often required in front of
curves and is accomplished by the use of spikes built on the bottom of
the shoes. A seat holds the athletes on their luges during the braking
and steering manoeuvres. At the finish line, a lot of times hundredths
of a second decide over victory or defeat.