Following the successful test runs in March 2012, the future Olympic artificial track in Sochi is celebrating its debut as the venue of the World Cup final in this pre-Olympic season. The athletes who participated in the homologation process have given quite positive feedback on the demands of the “Sanki” track and we are now looking forward to exciting competitions from all luge athletes. We know that the organization and staging of such World Cup races requires a lot of hard work and dedication in its preparation which is only possible with the help of a large staff made in part of volunteers and friends of the sport of luge. I am certain that the organization team will offer a superbly organized event for all athletes and their coaches and assistants.