LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The International Luge Federation (FIL) has announced its Viessmann World Cup racing schedule for 2016-2017, and in conjunction with USA Luge, will host a weekend series Dec. 2-3 at Mount Van Hoevenberg, just outside Lake Placid.

The track, managed and operated by the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority, was the scene of a record-breaking effort by USA Luge last December.

The team, led by Erin Hamlin’s gold medal, swept the women’s podium; Chris Mazdzer captured the men’s gold to lead a 1-2 performance; and the U.S. relay team was victorious. The six medals were a team high for one weekend.

“Like always, I am super excited to race at home,” said Hamlin, 2014 Olympic bronze medalist and 2009 World Champion. “It hasn’t been common practice to get races on home ice this often throughout my career so it’s great for us. I know my family and friends are probably pretty pumped as well. Seeing races live is always more exciting than staying up all night for a chance to catch them on a screen. I’m sure there will be a little extra pressure, considering how well we did last season. I’m perfectly content with that, though. It’s better than the alternative. All in all, it’s just so much fun to have such a huge support system there that’s cheered me on for years, and now are actually getting the chance to see it live. It always ends up being one of the best events all season as well, and that’s not even me being biased.”

Other singles medalists were Emily Sweeney and Tucker West (both silver), and Summer Britcher (bronze). The team relay winners were Hamlin, Mazdzer, and the doubles unit of Justin Krewson and Andrew Sherk.

“The importance of racing at home has numerous benefits,” said USA Luge President Dwight Bell. “We certainly know all the nuances of the Lake Placid track, but to have events in our country brings our sport to life for many fans. Luge’s base as a sport is centered in Europe, so it’s imperative that we present this kind of excitement to our fan base here. And the accompanying television coverage also helps us attract new athletes.”

“It’s also important that our sponsors see us in action, up close,” said USA Luge CEO Jim Leahy. “In addition, a Lake Placid event gives us the opportunity to entertain the sponsors and engage them with our athletes. This kind of connection between our partners and the organization occurs best when we have home events.”

The Viessmann Lake Placid World Cup will offer Nations Cup qualifying on Dec. 1, with men’s and women’s singles, doubles and a team relay over Dec. 2-3.

“Everyone at ORDA and the Olympic Sports Complex are excited that World Cup luge racing is returning,” noted ORDA president/CEO Ted Blazer. “This is our chance to showcase Lake Placid’s world-class venue to the world’s best luge athletes. We’re committed to offering the best track and ice conditions for this event.”

Television coverage will be provided by NBC Sports Network at a date to be determined. Financial assistance from New York’s Empire State Development was significant in securing prime time cable coverage.

Live web streaming will be available on the websites of the FIL and USA Luge (www.fil-luge.org and www.usaluge.org).

Photos from the 2015 Lake Placid World Cup can be found HERE. Photos courtesy of ORDA/ Whiteface Lake Placid.

-- 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.