Her excitement is unmistakable: the 25th Natural Track Luge World Championships, taking place from January 17th to 19th, 2025, in Kühtai, Austria, will be a home game for Riccarda Ruetz—and a major highlight in the young history of the RC Kühtai-Sellraintal.

Riccarda Ruetz is the local hero at the World Championships in Küthai

Kühtai (FIL/04.11.2024) The RC Kühtai-Sellraintal was established in the summer of 2023, and by the winter of 2023/2024, the club had already hosted the Tyrolean Championship and a World Cup event. For Peter Knauseder, president of the Tyrolean Luge Association and the driving force behind the creation of the permanent luge track in Kühtai, one thing is clear: “A World Championship is on another level compared to a World Cup. It really puts us in the spotlight. It’s fantastic that a young club is taking on this challenge.”

Markus Prock, president of Luge Austria, highlighted at the official launch event for the World Championships at the end of October in Gries im Sellrain: “The event is meant to be a true luge celebration, attracting many spectators. It will also be a championship that fosters interactions between sport, politics, and business.”

Of course, the championships are expected to bring sporting success. And all eyes are on Riccarda "Ricci" Ruetz. During the World Cup dress rehearsal last winter, she was only defeated by the accomplished South Tyrolean, Evelin Lanthaler. Who knows what might be possible in January, as she brings her full potential to her home track with a mix of passion and the right level of ease—cheered on by numerous fans.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly for the championships, the organising committee, led by Marco Holzknecht, will be hard at work over the coming weeks. A new, stylish start house is currently under construction, so that athletes can enjoy optimal conditions in January.