Gitschberg Start Cup (Luge Start Competition)

The Gitschberg Start Cup in Maranza

The Gitschberg Start Cup (in German Startwettkampf im Rennrodeln) is one of the most distinctive events in the South Tyrolean summer luge calendar. It takes place in Meransen/Maranza, the sunny mountain village in the municipality of Rio di Pusteria/Mühlbach, located at the entrance to the Puster Valley in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen (Trentino-Alto Adige).

Unlike natural track luge, this competition is held on a short artificial ice track featuring two curves that can be navigated in both directions. The structure is specifically designed to train and test the start phase—the explosive push and initial strokes—which often make the difference in track luge. For this reason, the event is considered a key moment in late-summer athletic preparation ahead of the upcoming winter season.

An international event organized by ASV Gitschberg

The race is organized by the Amateursportverein Gitschberg (ASV Gitschberg), the local sports club, on their own start track. Over the years, the Gitschberg Start Cup has surpassed thirty editions, establishing itself as a traditional international appointment. For instance, the 31st edition featured over 60 sleds representing four nations: Italy, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany.

The program is divided into categories, ranging from the youngest athletes to seniors, including junior classes in both singles and doubles for men and women. The Italian national team is a traditional protagonist; in recent years, South Tyrolean athletes have often dominated the podiums, featuring top names in Italian luge who are also on the path toward the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

When it takes place

The Gitschberg Start Cup is usually held at the end of August, typically over two days: Friday is dedicated to free and group training, while Saturday features the actual competition across various categories, followed by the final awards ceremony. It is a unique opportunity to see world-class athletes up close in an intimate, family-friendly setting, surrounded by the alpine landscape of the Gitschberg-Jochtal holiday area.