Fogelis described the Latvian luge riders’ starts in Sigulda as very good overall, although their own mistakes prevented them from achieving higher goals.
The Latvian luge team won four medals in the fourth stage of the World Cup: one gold, two silver and one bronze medal. The hopes of another medal in the team relay were dashed by the initially nervous atmosphere in the starting area, as well as mistakes and a fall in the final stage of the relay.
“That’s the nature of sport – it should be easier to achieve good results on the home track, because in Sigulda we know every meter and the tricks of how to ride the track better,” said the coach.
Estimates show that approximately 5,000 spectators visited the Sigulda bobsleigh and luge track over both days of the competition. “To a certain extent, one can agree with the statement that luge sports are better watched on television. However, the effect, when you can be present at the finish, gives completely different emotions. Standing near the track, you can see with your own eyes what it really means – rushing at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour along an ice rink,” said Klāvs Vasks, president of the Latvian Luge Sports Federation.
In the overall World Cup standings after four stages, the Latvian two-man crew Mārtiņš Bots/Roberts Plūme is in first place with 316 points, ahead of their closest competitors Tony Eggert/Florian Miller by 21 points.
In the women’s doubles competition, after four stages, Marta Robežniece/Kitija Bogdanova are in fourth place in the overall World Cup standings, while Anda Upīte/Zane Kaluma are in sixth place. The first place in the overall standings is taken by the doubles crew Selīna Egle/Lara Mišela Kipa.
The fifth stage of the World Cup will take place on January 11 and 12 in Altenberg, Germany.
In 2024/2025, nine World Cup events will be held on three continents in six countries – Norway, Austria, Germany, Latvia, South Korea and China. The sixth event, which will take place on January 18-19 in Winterberg, will also be the European Championship. The World Championship will take place in Whistler, Canada, from February 6-8.