Room for Improvement at PyeongChang 2018 Luge Venue -- Federations Focus

(ATR) International Luge Federation president Josef Fendt says the Alpensia Sliding Centre in South Korea left a "very good impression" on the federation.

While Fendt acknowledged that the future Olympic venue’s track was "really good", he adds that there is still some work that needs to be done.

"The Koreans have done a great job," Fendt said in a statement. "We’ve got a really good track in Korea. Of course, a couple of improvements are needed here and there."

Fendt and lugers were able to extensively review the sliding track that will be used during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics next February during the first International Training Period Feb. 8-14. The training period immediately preceded the FIL Luge World Cup at the Alpensia venue from Feb. 17-19.

Lugers had approximately 20-25 runs down the track prior to the World Cup that was won by Dominik Fischnaller of Italy and Tatiana Ivanova of Russia in the men’s and women’s singles event. Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken of Germany claimed gold in the doubles event while also taking the gold in the team relay event with fellow Germans Natalie Geisenberger and Andi Langenhan.

The FIL will listen to recommendations from athletes who competed at the events as well as the international team of ice experts that accompanied the FIL to South Korea. The team of ice experts is led by FIL track construction committee deputy chairman Walter Plaikner.

Lugers from Team USA told Around the Rings that the Alpensia track is fast but also challenging at times. Chris Mazdzer says he doesn’t expect many changes to the course between now and the Olympics next February.

"There’s been a lot of talk between all of the coaches with the FIL and with the track to change that and right now they don’t want to change it," said Mazdzer. "I don’t know if they want to keep it like this for the Games because it does add an element of excitement and uncertainty for every athlete."

Lugers will have another opportunity to test the track prior to the Winter Games at the second International Training Period taking place from Nov. 1-10.

Prize Money Increased for International Triathlon Union Competitions

Nearly $3.5 million in prize money will be available to athletes participating in International Triathlon Union (ITU) competitions.

The Union has issued a $100,000 increase to the ITU World Triathlon Series bonus pool, meaning $855,000 is now up for grabs. The money will be dispersed among the top 35 positions instead of just the top tier of the competition, increasing revenue for all athletes.The Series will begin Mar. 3 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Six World Cups have been added to the ITU circuit this year, each offering $60,000 per Cup. The total available throughout the season is now a whopping $960,000.

Athletes also have the chance to win $70,000 during the ITU Mixed Relay World Championships. Additionally a total of $20,000 will be offered during the Penticton ITU Multisport World Championships festival across aquathlon, duathlon, cross triathlon, and long distance triathlon events.

Upcoming Games Focus at 12th IFSC Plenary Assembly

The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) will host its 12th annual Plenary Assembly in Quebec, Canada on Mar. 11.

The assembly will address topics including Olympic format and information related to the Tokyo Games as well as the 2018 Buenos Aires YOG.At both upcoming Games, sport climbing will be featured on the Olympic program for the first time.

During this year's assembly the IFSC will elect the new executive board and statutory commissions for the next four-year term. Also on the agenda are discussions on topics including general sport rules, upcoming events and the 2017 Calendar.

IFSC president Marco Maria Scolaris, IFSC Pan American Council president Maria Izquierdo and IFSC Athletes’ Commission president Sean McColl are all expected to be in attendance.

"We are very excited for this next adventure. Together, we have created new opportunities for our sport,

and now we continue to prepare for the next steps, in Quebec and beyond," Scolaris said in a statement.

Written by Kevin NutleyandCourtney Colquitt

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