Lake Placid, New York – The International Luge Federation (FIL) Executive Board announced Wednesday the transfer of the EBERSPÄCHER World Cup from Lake Placid to Oberhof, Germany.  FIL officials cited the uncertainty of international travel due to COVID-19 as the reasons for removing the luge races from Lake Placid.  The event was scheduled for January 22-24, 2021 at Mt Van Hoevenberg. 

“We thank the US-American federation for their great efforts to make the World Cup in North America possible after all. We are very happy that Oberhof has agreed to host a second event in the framework of the EBERSPÄCHER World Cup series next winter," said Christoph Schweiger, FIL Executive Director.

Lake Placid has hosted the FIL Luge World Cup annually for the past 6 years.  “ORDA and USA Luge will be ready for the next FIL World Cup in 2022,” said Paul Wylie, ORDA Director of Sport.  “We are especially excited to show the world luge community the new facilities at Mt Van Hoevenberg.  Athletes will continue to train in Lake Placid throughout this season, honing their skills on our world class track and their brand-new indoor start training facility,” said Wylie.

Lake Placid and USA Luge are prepared to be on the schedule to host the FIL World Cup Luge races in 2022.

With this updated schedule now in place, USA Luge’s course of action will be decided in the coming weeks with input from all stakeholders.  The organization’s leadership, athletes and staff will consider the safest course of action in entering competition.

                                                                                    -- 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.