Close cooperation between all responsible bodies Numerous modifications made on Olympic track in Whistler

Whistler (pps) In close cooperation between the Whistler Sports Legacy (owners of the Whistler Sliding Centre), the Canadian Luge Association (CLA), and the International Luge Federation (FIL) numerous modifications were made on the track of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver prior to the International Training Week and the Viessmann Luge World Cup event on December 9-10, 2011 to ensure the highest possible safety level for the athletes.

Already in summer 2010 the concrete work of all entry and exit areas of the curves twelve to 16 were modified in agreement with the joint Track Building Commission of the FIL and the International Bob and Skeleton Federation, FIBT. These measures proved its value, as demonstrated during the FIBT World Cup in November 2010. "Due to these modifications the athletes are inevitably ‘forced’ to take an improved driving line through the more demanding passages", explained FIBT President Ivo Ferriani at that time. The Italian, once bobsleigh pilot himself before working as coach and then later as track director at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, is in close contact with FIL President Josef Fendt of Germany with regard to all relevant safety issues.

From the exit of curve eleven into the passage to curve twelve the boards were additionally raised on the right and left-hand side. Starting with the exit of curve twelve right up to the finish line, all boards were elevated and extended. At the exit of the finish line the existing right-hand board was additionally raised by another 50 centimetres.

Numerous measures to further enhance safety, such as an optimised ice profile, additional track workers and a reduced watering of the ice will be taken in close cooperation with all parties involved, especially with track director Tracy Seitz.

With an eye on the upcoming 2013 FIL Luge World Championships the FIL, however, emphasizes the need to change the so-called "Olympic women’s start", which represents to date only a temporary solution. "In agreement with all parties involved we want to bring about an improvement", explained FIL President Josef Fendt. However, as the former luge World champion emphasized, the improvement is not a safety issue. Josef Fendt: "This is more a question of equal opportunities for all athletes." According to the concept of the FIL Technical Commission, the entry angle needs to be changed and the infrastructure further improved.

For more information, contact: wolfgang.harder@t-online.de

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