Germany Triumphs in Luge Team Relay at Milano Cortina 2026
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, 12 February 2026 – The German luge team has once again asserted its dominance on the ice, securing a gold medal in the Team Relay (Teamstaffel) at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. On this sixth day of competition, the German quartet delivered a flawless performance at the Cortina Sliding Centre, overcoming fierce competition from Italy and Austria.
A Historic Night for German Luge
The German victory was anchored by individual gold medallists Julia Taubitz and Max Langenhan. Taubitz, who secured her first individual Olympic title earlier this week, set the pace as the first starter. Langenhan followed, maintaining the momentum he established four days ago when he won Germany’s first gold medal of these Games in the men’s singles.
The relay was completed by the doubles pairing of Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt. Despite a challenging individual doubles race yesterday where they finished in fifth place, the veteran duo—often referred to as the “Bayern-Express”—showed their experience to bring the gold home for Team Deutschland.
The Evolution of the Team Relay
The Team Relay has become one of the most exciting spectacles in winter sports since its Olympic debut at the 2014 Sochi Games. The 2026 edition in Milano Cortina marks a significant evolution in the sport’s history.
New Format for 2026
For the first time in Olympic history, the luge programme features five medal events. This expansion includes the introduction of the Women’s Doubles, which has also been integrated into the relay structure. The relay now consists of four consecutive runs:
- Women’s Singles
- Men’s Singles
- Women’s Doubles
- Men’s Doubles
Athletes must hit a overhead touch pad at the finish line to open the start gate for the next sled in their team. The clock runs continuously until the final sled crosses the line.
Medal Standings: Team Relay (12 February 2026)
| Rank | Nation | Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Germany | J. Taubitz, M. Langenhan, Wendl/Arlt, Eitberger/Matschina |
| Silver | Italy | D. Fischnaller, A. Vötter, M. Oberhofer, L. Rieder |
| Bronze | Austria | J. Müller, S. Egle, L. Kipp, T. Steu, W. Kindl |
Competition Highlights and Rivalries
The Italian team, led by Dominik Fischnaller and the women’s doubles pair Andrea Vötter and Marion Oberhofer (who won gold in their individual event yesterday), pushed Germany to the limit. The home crowd in Cortina provided an electric atmosphere, though the Italians ultimately fell short of the gold by a narrow margin.
Austria secured the bronze medal, continuing a successful week for their sliding programme. Earlier today, Thomas Steu and Wolfgang Kindl, along with Selina Egle and Lara Kipp, had already secured silver and bronze medals in their respective doubles competitions, proving that the gap between the top three nations remains razor-thin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did luge first appear in the Olympics?
Luge made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Winter Games in Innsbruck. The first World Championships were held earlier in 1955.
What is the maximum speed in Olympic luge?
Athletes can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h, lying on their backs and steering with their calf muscles and shoulders.
How many luge events are there in 2026?
There are five events: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and the Team Relay.
Who are the key German lugers in 2026?
The 2026 team is led by Max Langenhan and Julia Taubitz in the singles, with the legendary duo Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt competing in their final Olympic cycle.