Winter Olympics Guide 2010: Luge

Luge / Editor / 04 February 2010 / Leave a comment

Torsten Wustlich and Andre Florschuetz who won silver in Torino

The Germans always win but that doesn't mean we can't find some great bets on Luge at Vancouver 2010.

"The Germans have hammered everyone in this event since it was introduced in 1964."

What is it?
If the Skeleton is throwing yourself down a mountain on a tea-tray then luge is throwing yourself down a mountain on a tea-tray without looking where you are going. Luge is the French for sled. These are open fibreglass contraptions run on refrigerated tracks and reach speeds of 140kmph. As with all the sports down 'runs', a fast start is essential. Competitors haul themselves off the start then frantically paddle forward using spiked gloves to gain speed. Within seconds, the 'luger' lies on their back with their exposed feet hanging off the front as they hurtle down. Steering is done with the legs and shoulder. You break by sitting down, sticking you legs and pulling up the runners.

The men's and women's individual events consist of four heats over two days. Lowest combined time wins. In the doubles, one lies on top of the other sardine-style. Very cosy.

History
The Germans have hammered everyone in this event since it was introduced in 1964. East Germany won 29, West Germany 10 themselves and plain old (or perhaps that should be plain new) Germany 21. Their combined medal tally is just 16 more the sum total of every other country.

Who to watch
Italy's Armin Zoeggeler won gold four years ago. He beat Albert Demtschenko by 0.11 of a second. They will battle it out again though it would be nice to see David Moeller of Germany throw of his 'bridesmaid' tag and scoop gold. Natalie Geisenberger is much-fancied for the ladies singles.

Fact!
In the last three women's events, at Nagano, Salt Lake City and Turin, all the medals have gone to Germany except the bronze in 1998, which was collected by Angelika Neuner of Austria.

Best Bet
Torsten Wustlich and Andre Florschuetz won silver in Torino and gold at the 2009 World Championship at Lake Placid. No doubles duo have better medal credentials.

Tags: Luge betting, Richard Douglas, Vancouver 2010 betting, Winter Olympics betting