LUGEING

also called luge tobogganing form of small-sled racing. The sled, called a luge, is of wood, plastic, or fibreglass construction, with wide runners faced with steel. The maximum weight of the sled is 23 kg (50.7 pounds) for singles and 27 kg (59.5 pounds) for doubles. It is ridden in a supine position and steered by subtle leg and shoulder movements. Luge competition is often held on a bobsled run. Runs vary in length but typically range between 1,000 metres and 1,300 metres (approximately three-fourths of a mile) for men and between 800 metres and 1,050 metres (approximately half a mile) for women. Speeds reach up to 145 km (90 miles) per hour as competitors navigate the icy turns. Sliders wear aerodynamic bodysuits and spiked gloves, which enable the athletes to "paddle" the ice at the start of the race, propelling them down the course. Helmets are mandatory. Dating back to the 15th century, lugeing is a traditional winter sport in Austria and is also popular in Germany and Poland. It has been governed by the International Luge Federation (Fdration Internationale de Luge de Course, or FIL) since 1957. With single- and double-seater events, the first European luge championships were held in 1914 at Reichenfels, Austria, and the first world titles were contested at Oslo, Norway, in 1955. Lugeing was included in the Olympic Winter Games for the first time in 1964.