The World Cup winter is ready to take off. On Wednesday, November 17th, 2010, the President of the International Luge Federation, Josef Fendt, opened the World Cup season 2010/11 with the traditional kick-off press conference. Highlight: the presentation of the new main sponsor Würz Energy. "We are delighted that we could gain Würz Energy as title sponsor for the World Cup on natural track and we are proud of this cooperation. I also want to thank all our sponsors – Zauner, Trenker and Aqotec – who will still support us", Josef Fendt, President of the FIL, and Vice-President Alfred Jud – responsible for marketing and TV – emphasized. The contract with Würz Energy was signed for two years. The German company works as provider for renewable energy. "The athletes on natural track as well as our company emphasize on nature. That's a very important common value on which our cooperation is based", Würz Energy Executive Vice President Theo-Josef Beisch said, describing the cooperation.
The kick-off for the Würz Energy World Cup on natural track takes place in Novouralsk/Ekaterinburg (RUS) – and the season starts with a double World Cup. From December 9th - 12th the athletes are racing for their first points. The Austrian athlete Florian Batkowski is looking forward to the first World Cup races: "Russia is already the first highlight of the season. The atmosphere is very special and the low temperatures are a challenge for all athletes." Russia and the FIL are ready, the track which has been reconstructed only some years ago in Novouralsk (70 km north of Ekaterinburg) is prepared – for the opening of the 19th World Cup season. FIL President Josef Fendt promises, "We will have excellent conditions in Russia – Novouralsk is very eager to support the World Cup on natural track." Novouralsk has already been venue of last year's kick-off for an exciting season. The further World Cup destinations this winter will be: Gsies (ITA), Kindberg (AUT) und Unterammergau (GER). The World Cup finals of this season will take place in Olang (ITA) – venue of the FIL European Championships 2008 and World Championships in 2000. From February 25th - 27th, 2011, the athletes will race for the last World Cup points for the overall World Cup and for the crystal globes.
The total highlight of the season: the World Championships in Umhausen (AUT) from January 26th - 30th, 2011. The WCH-venue is well prepared, final adjustments are underway. Ten years have gone by since Austria hosted FIL World Championships on natural track the last time. Renate Gietl (ITA), reigning World Champion and title defender could win the silver medal in 2001 already. The further reigning World Champions are Patrick Pigneter (ITA) in the men's single event as well as together with his congenial partner Florian Clara (ITA) in the doubles' event. Patrick Pigneter is looking forward to the World Cup and the World Championships. "Officials, athletes, fans, they are all looking forward to the beginning of the World Cup and of course to the World Championships in Ötztal (AUT). I am already very excited about the Championships in Umhausen. I am sure, it will be a very special experience."
Additionally to the six World Cup races and the World Championships in Umhausen there are two more important events: FIL World Junior Championships in Laas (ITA) and FIL Youth Games in St. Sebastian (AUT).
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