Defying the weather

Luge ace Kallan celebrates his World Cup debut

Noah Kallan is allowed to compete in a World Cup race for the first time in Altenberg on Saturday. The luger finished seventh in the Nations Cup to secure his ticket. He defied the difficult weather conditions to become the first Salzburg athlete to compete in the artificial track in the Luge World Cup.

A historic day for Salzburg's luge sport is imminent. When Noah Kallan starts in the World Cup race in Altenberg (D), he will be the first Salzburg athlete to compete at the highest level. Never before has a "Stierwoscha" been represented in the artificial track World Cup - until Saturday. "At the moment, it's not so important to me that I'm first. But it's cool that you can make it even if you're not from Tyrol or Vorarlberg," says the 20-year-old, who was able to conquer the difficult track in seventh place despite the snowfall. "I've been struggling all week, so I'm glad it worked out well."

Fan club on site
The man from Pongau is eager to make his debut and wants to reach the second run: "With a good run, the top 20 is certainly possible."

The fan club from Eben with Noah Kallan (center).(Bild: zVg)

Kallan's fan club, which made the six-hour journey to Altenberg at three o'clock in the morning on Friday, is also particularly proud. Dad Roland had spontaneously organized the trip on Thursday evening: "We are really happy to be at the World Cup debut and are glad that he came down well."