2023-12-17 16:33:59
The World Cup premiere of natural track tobogganing took place in Kühtai this weekend. The starting signal for the World Cup season was given on the new natural track. The Tyrolean Riccarda Ruetz was able to make perfect use of her home advantage.
17.12.2023 17.33
Online since today, 5:33 p.m
Sunshine, a completely new World Cup route and Tyrolean cheers at the World Cup opener for natural track luge athletes – the World Cup opener in luge on natural tracks in Kühtai on Sunday became a “special class spectacle,” said the responsible Austrian association following the competitions.
Local hero Riccarda Ruetz started her fifth World Cup season and proved right from the very first race that she wants to be at the top of the world this year. After a flawless run in the second round, the 19-year-old took second place with a total time of 1 minute 51 seconds and 44 hundredths. Only the South Tyrolean series winner Evelin Lanthaler was faster with 1:50.29.
Ruetz full of joy at the home event
For Ruetz from Sellrain, the home race was a special experience: “I was full of anticipation and excitement before my home event. In the first race you always have to look at where you actually stand. I worked well in the summer. And now you can see that I can ride at the front. “It was huge that so many people were there and shouted my name,” she said.
Photo series with 5 pictures
Close behind Ruetz was Upper Austrian Tina Unterberger (0:55.42). The Austrian women’s duo delivered a great performance at the start of the season. “Ultimately the start was successful, even if the belly patch in yesterday’s training wasn’t the fine English way. I felt every step as I walked up the track,” says Unterberger. “Unfortunately I lose a lot of time right at the start on this route. I’m really happy for Ricci today, who pulled the chestnuts out of the fire for us.”
Hundredth thriller for men
The gentlemen delivered a real thriller in the fantastic weather in Kühtai. In the end, the South Tyrolean Patrick Pigneter was ahead of the Austrian Michael Scheikl by two hundredths. He celebrated his 50th World Cup victory. The two athletes are considered the top favorites for the overall World Cup victory. Third place went to Florian Clara (ITA).
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