In an encouraging development for winter sports enthusiasts, the International Luge Federation (FIL) has announced that next yearโs Olympic sliding events are set to take place in Italy. This announcement comes as a strong endorsement for the newly reconstructed track in Cortina dโAmpezzo. According to FIL officials, the successful testing of the track indicates a high likelihood that the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics will host their sliding races in the picturesque Italian Alps, dispelling past uncertainties about the projectโs completion.
FILโs favorable assessment echoes similar sentiments from the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, reinforcing the confidence that the races will not need to relocate to the contingency site in Lake Placid, New York. Dwight Bell, FILโs general secretary, expressed optimism for the venue, pointing toward a prospective formal announcement from the International Olympic Committee in the near future.
Claire delNegro, the FIL vice president for sport, praised the recent testing phase at Cortina, where athletes and coaches from 11 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America participated in 178 runs. The track not only met but consistently improved to meet design specifications throughout the testing.
The testing week saw participation from approximately 60 athletes globally, with a significant representation of Italian competitors in bobsled, skeleton, and luge disciplines. Despite the successful tests, Cortina still has ongoing projects, including the construction of a roof and preparation for the influx of spectators expected during the 2025-26 sliding season.
Germanyโs Max Langenhan, the current world menโs luge champion, expressed his admiration for the progress made by the Italians, remarking on their rapid and high-quality work that exceeded his expectations. He highlighted the vibrant energy at Cortina, anticipating that this spirit will carry over into the Olympic Games.
Athletes are scheduled for international training sessions on the new track from October 27 through November 2, with a test event set for late November. For bobsled and skeleton, the international training period is from November 7-16, followed by the season-opening World Cup races from November 17-23.
The Cortina track, measuring 1.749 kilometers with 16 curves, promises an exhilarating experience with estimated top speeds of 145 kph and race times of 55-60 seconds.
Meanwhile, in Lake Placid, New Yorkโs Olympic Regional Development Authority continues with planned upgrades to the refrigeration systems and other enhancements at the Mount Van Hoevenberg sliding complex, a testament to their commitment despite the shift in venue. Their ongoing improvements underline the strategic enhancements unrelated to the venue announcements, as Lake Placid wraps up its final season runs and begins its construction season.