Luge

By: Elizabeth QuinnAnd

Melissa Del Colombo

Luging Equipment• Bridge- part of the sled that connects two runners and from which the simpllified racing shell

is suspended .There are two bridges on every on every sled.• Gloves- these gloves are spiked at the fingertips to help to grip the sled.• Helmet-the helmets have a clear sheet of plastic around their faces.• Kufen- German word for runner or blade.• Pod- the simplified seat in the sled.• Racing Suit – special suit to help with wind resistance.• Shoes- special shoes with zippers so when zipped the foot straightens.• Steels- what the sled rides on.

History of the luge• Luge riders hurtle down a slippery ice track at a great speed relying on reflexes for steering

unlike the bobsleigh the have no protection should they make an error. Luge is the French word for sledge.It was developed as a sport in Switzerland.Its roots go back to the 16 th century but it was not untill 300 years later that the first luge tracks were built by Swiss hotel owners to cater for thrill seeking tourists.Luge is one of the oldest winter sports it envolves competitors lying on there backs on a tiny sled with ther feet streched out in front of them. Racing down an icy tracks at speeds in the range of140 km./h with out brakes.