The FIL Natural Track Luge World Cup 2024/2025 will conclude with a thrilling finale in Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente (ITA) this coming weekend. In the men’s singles event, a dramatic showdown for the overall World Cup title awaits between Michael Scheikl (AUT) and Florian Clara (ITA) – alongside the emotional farewell of some of the greatest natural track athletes of all time.

(top) Evelin Lanthaler (ITA), Patrick Pigneter (ITA) and Tina Unterberger (AUT), (bottom) Michael Scheikl (AUT) and Florian Clara (ITA)

Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente (FIL/19.02.2025) – The 785-metre-long natural track "Pföslriep" has already hosted numerous remarkable races, from the World Championships in 2013 and 2023 to record-breaking victories by Alex Gruber (ITA/6 wins). However, the 2025 World Cup final promises to be in a league of its own. On Sunday, five of the most successful luge athletes of the modern era—Evelin Lanthaler (ITA), Tina Unterberger (AUT), Patrick Pigneter (ITA), Florian Clara (ITA), and Michael Scheikl (AUT)—will end their competitive careers.
Additionally, the men’s singles competition will see a final battle for the overall title between Scheikl and Clara. Defending world champion Scheikl currently leads with 495 points, just ahead of Clara with 490. There is no room for calculations—whoever finishes ahead will take the trophy. In case of a points tie, the number of season victories will decide the winner, with Clara currently leading 3-2. The last World Cup winner in Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente was Patrick Pigneter, who claimed victory in 2023. The record-holder has yet to secure a win this season but could achieve his 55th World Cup singles victory.

Lanthaler Ends Career with Overall Victory

Evelin Lanthaler has already secured her ninth overall title. The world champion boasts a record 57 victories in the women’s singles category and has remained unbeaten in World Cups, World Championships, and European Championships since January 2020. Tina Unterberger (410 points) has finished on the podium three times this season and is unlikely to lose her second-place ranking in the overall standings. Behind her are local favourite Daniela Mittermair (ITA/370), vice-world champion Riccarda Ruetz (AUT/340), and Nadine Staffler (ITA/334).

Pichler/Edlinger on Course for First Overall Victory

A decisive moment has also occurred in the doubles category, where vice-world champions Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT) lead the overall standings with 540 points. Behind them, the world champions Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA) and Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) are tied at 495 points. Paur is recovering from an ankle injury and was recently seen on crutches; it remains uncertain whether he will compete in the final. This puts Pichler/Edlinger in a strong position to claim their first overall World Cup victory.

The races in Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente will be streamed live on the official website of the International Luge Federation (FIL).

Event Schedule*

Friday, 21 February
9:30 am: Nations’ training – Women’s and men’s singles, 1st run
11:30 am: Nations’ training – Doubles, 1st run
12:30 pm: Nations’ training – Doubles, 2nd run
7:00 pm: Opening ceremony and gala evening for athletes, coaches, sponsors, and distinguished guests at the "Nova Teutonica" cultural centre

Saturday, 22 February
9:30 am: Nations’ training – Women’s and men’s singles, 2nd run
11:30 am: 1st competition run – Doubles
12:30 pm: 2nd competition run – Doubles, followed by flower ceremony and awards presentation
3:00 pm: Card game tournament in the festival tent
From 9:00 pm: World Cup party in the festival tent with "TakeOff"

Sunday, 23 February
9:30 am: 1st competition run – Women’s singles
10:00 am: 1st competition run – Men’s singles
11:00 am: 2nd competition run – Women’s singles, followed by flower ceremony
11:30 am: Morning gathering in the festival tent with a live band
11:45 am: 2nd competition run – Men’s singles, followed by flower ceremony
1:15 pm: Team competition, followed by flower ceremony
2:00 pm: Awards ceremony – Women’s, men’s, and team competition in the finish area
3:00 pm: Overall World Cup awards ceremony

*Subject to change