LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- The recently named United States’ bobsled and skeleton teams will open their 2014-’15 Viessmann FIBT World Cup campaigns on “home-ice,” when the eight-race international series kicks off Dec. 12-13 in Lake Placid, N.Y.

While the mile-long, 20-curve Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex track is not known for its break-neck speeds, it is recognized as one of the world’s most technically demanding tracks. To some, it can even be a little intimating with its tight curves and quick transitions, which have made it a thorn in the side of many athletes.

Only a handful of bobsled drivers and skeleton athletes have mastered this difficult course, to include American Steve Holcomb. Holcomb, a three-time Olympic medalist, has won a total of 10 World Cup bobsled medals on this track to include three four-man gold medals and two in the two-man.

Action begins Friday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. with the two-man bobsled race. The men and women’s skeleton races are also slated for Friday, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

World Cup action will conclude on Saturday with the women’s bobsled race, which begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by four-man action, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets at the gate are $16 for adults, per day, and $10 for juniors and seniors. Admission is free with the purchase of the Olympic Sites Passport, available for only $32.

For more information about the Viessmann FIBT World Cup bobsled and skeleton event visit http://www.whiteface.com/events/fibt-world-cup-bobsled-skeleton. For more information about all of the events and activities on ORDA’s Olympic venues, log onto www.whitefacelakeplacid.com.

Media Advisory – Media planning on covering the World Cup race must complete and return the event’s credential request form to Jon Lundin, ORDA public relations, email: jlundin@orda.org, fax: 518-523-9275.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.