2013 World Championships

[LugeDude]

Go here ---> http://www.luge.ca/wc2013/ To watch the best in the world race it out in Whistler. Today and tomorrow.

[LugeDude]

About 30 minutes to start of 2nd run

[slow]

About 30 minutes to start of 2nd run

Are you participating or a spectator?

[LugeDude]

Are you participating or a spectator?

Internet spectator. I know all the Canadians, and my friends brother is in it so I just want to get some support out for all the athletes.

[slow]

I am watching the women now. Can you explain how the luge is controlled and in what ways by the rider to me please?

[cyborg]

I am watching the women now. Can you explain how the luge is controlled and in what ways by the rider to me please?

I'm interested too. I've always been curious about luge and bobsled racing. I knew some people who did street luge, and always thought it was nuts! They could hit like 70mph easily!

[LugeDude]

I am watching the women now. Can you explain how the luge is controlled and in what ways by the rider to me please?

At the front of the sled were there calfs are there are 2 axe shaped things called "kufens". They put pressure on the right one to go left, and put pressure on the left one to go right. They are practically the runners of the sled. They are connected to a thing called the bridge, which connects to the pod. The slider lays in the pod. You can see the slider put pressure into one shoulder before they go into the corner. That is called "rolling", It basically it slightly moves your sled so it flows with the corner. There are also handles so they can do minor movements in the flats and in corners. You only use the kufens in the corners so you can do hard steers. But it all depends on the pressure of the corners.

[LugeDude]

Here is a good video

[slow]

Thanks for the explanation and video. Looks like a demanding sport for total body fitness/strength. I assume it is a rough ride for your back.