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Austria Halts Luge Homologation at Innsbruck, Putting World Cups in Doubt

Emergency fixes to curves 13 and 14 did not resolve severe line problems reported by two-time world champion Jonas Müller.

Overview

  • The Austrian Luge Federation stopped taking part in approval tests after Müller ended his run with heavy impacts and called a release of the track irresponsible.
  • Track operator Olympiaworld and the International Luge Federation now must decide on event approval, with a shortened course under consideration if full clearance is denied.
  • Bob and skeleton athletes had already judged the crash and injury risk too high during earlier trials, reinforcing safety concerns on the renovated lower section.
  • ÖRV president Markus Prock called the situation a disaster for sport and the region and said the track is not currently rideable, indicating a major intervention may be necessary.
  • Roughly €30 million was invested over 20 months in upgrades, and a larger rebuild could trigger a legal dispute over costs between Olympiaworld and the German lead planner.