Homologation of new start area in Innsbruck-Igls:
track approved for international luge competitions

Igls (FIL/20 Nov 2024) After completion of the first phase of construction at the traditional Igls ice channel, the new start area for women and doubles was officially homologated by the International Luge Federation (FIL) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. This means that the track is ready to welcome the second EBERSPÄCHER Luge World Cup of the 2024/25 season on the weekend of December 7-8.

“In the first step, we are looking at compliance with the FIL regulations; the safety criteria are of course particularly important to us. Subsequently, the speeds must also be redefined,” said Markus Aschauer, chairman of the FIL Track Construction Commission.

The Olympic track, which was originally built for the 1976 Winter Olympics at the foot of the Patscherkofel, is currently undergoing a major modernization. These adjustments are necessary to meet the current requirements of the international federations FIL and IBSF and thus continue to be able to serve as a venue for World Cup races and other international competitions.

The lower third of the combined bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track will be redesigned as part of the renovations. Two new, large curves will lead the track back uphill after the challenging labyrinth. In addition, a new finish house is being built in the area of the roundabout, which will offer athletes and organizers additional capacity and a state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Luge World Champion Lisa Schulte said: “I really like the new women's start. I started from the top in the first training session. It is a bit faster than from the old women's start, but it's a lot of fun. The new start curve is definitely a lot more fun than the old one. I got into my ride quite well.” And head coach Christian Eigentler added: “Our athletes say the new women's start in Igls is much more fun. The demands in the lower part of the track, especially in the labyrinth, are somewhat higher due to the new start. But as we saw it, it is feasible for everyone and an enrichment for our sport”.

“It is very positive for the track in Innsbruck-Igls that the women's and doubles start has been moved uphill. This massively enhances the value of the track, especially in view of the FIL Luge World Championships in 2027.

The women and doubles teams gave consistently positive feedback on their first runs. We will also start the team relay about 200 meters higher. This definitely enhances the races from a sporting point of view,” said FIL Sports Director Matthias Böhmer.

The homologation is an important step for the region and for international luge, as it confirms the track as a location for world-class events and continues to anchor the Igls region in the center of the international luge scene.