Press Conference in Riga: Sigulda to take center stage at the FIL Luge World Cup

Riga, Latvia (FIL/03 Jan 2025) The world-famous bobsleigh and luge track in Sigulda is the focus of the fourth EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup this weekend. Latvia's athletes hope to deliver top performances on their home track and to climb further up the overall standings.

An important season on the road to Milan-Cortina 2026

At the Latvian Luge Federation's (LKSF) press conference in Riga, the President of the International Luge Federation (FIL), Einars Fogelis, emphasized the importance of this competition season in view of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy: “In exactly one year's time, the stage in Sigulda will be the last stop before the Olympic qualifying races.” At the same time, he paid tribute to the commitment and hard work of the athletes.

Technical challenges and home advantage

The track in Sigulda is considered one of the most technically demanding in the sport of luge. “The track is like the Gauja – the ice profile changes with the weather conditions,” explains Latvian national coach Mārtiņš Rubenis. “On the home track, you know every curve, so now it's just a matter of implementing what you have prepared. The results will follow!”

The successful Latvian doubles team of Roberts Plūme and Mārtiņš Bots, currently ranked second overall, also emphasized the crucial role of adaptability: “The one who adapts to the new conditions the quickest will be the fastest.”

Goals of the Latvian athletes

Latvia's top athletes have set themselves ambitious goals. Bots and Plūme are fighting to make the leap to the top of the overall standings. In the men's single, Kristers Aparjods wants to show a stronger performance after a mixed start to the season. Anda Upīte and Zane Kaluma want to climb further up the ladder in the women's doubles from their current fifth place.

Significance for infrastructure and sport

Aleksandrs Samoilovs, head of the sports department at the Latvian Ministry of Education, emphasized the importance of the event: “This World Cup stage is essential for our unique infrastructure – the bobsleigh and luge track in Sigulda.” He wishes the athletes every success and emphasizes the importance of home races.

Photos: LKSF