Winter Olympics Preview: Luge Team Relay

Object Of The Game

A new event at the 2014 Olympics, mixed team relay will add a technological element to the sport of luge. Teams of three sleds (one men’s, one women’s and one doubles) will compete in a single timed relay race. An athlete on the first sled to reach the bottom of the course will activate a button, opening the gate for the next sled to begin traveling down the course. The order of the relay is women’s singles sled-men’s singles sled-doubles sled.

Details

• 12 teams of four competitors (one man, one woman and one pair).

• One timed run.

Schedule

All times EST.

Most Likely Podium

1. Germany: Undoubtedly the world leaders in luge across men’s singles, women’s singles and doubles competitions, the Germans could potentially field the two best relay teams on the planet. They are heavy favorites to win gold.

2. Italy: Extremely strong in the men’s singles and doubles components of the relay, a strong performance from Italy’s chosen women’s singles competitor will likely result in a finish on the podium.

3. Canada: Four second-place finishes in relay events on the World Cup circuit this season proves Canada’s skill, but draws into question the team’s ability to best the Germans.

2013-14 FIL World Cup

1. Germany

2. Canada

3. United States