Jaufental: Lambachers win nail-biting finale

A nail-biting finale at the FIL Alpine Luge World Cup in Jaufental/Val di Giovo. Reigning world and European champions Matthias and Peter Lambacher (ITA) celebrated their second victory of the season on Friday evening, overtaking the World Cup leaders, Tobias Paur and Andreas Hofer (ITA), on the final straight.

February 20, 2026

From: pm

The situation before the doubles final was incredibly tense. On the Tonnerboden track, the two-time season winners Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA) started as World Cup leaders for the first time, while Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher had to go all in to win the overall crystal globe.

With a time of 55,01 seconds, they secured their second victory of the season, just 0,04 seconds ahead of last year's overall winners, Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT). Paur/Hofer finished third, 0,46 seconds behind. This meant that Lambacher/Lambacher, with a total of 585 points, were crowned overall champions for the second time since the 2023/2024 season, ahead of Paur/Hofer (560) and Pichler/Edlinger (540). Junior world champions Gabriel Halcin/Samuel Halcin (SVK/450) finished fourth.

The last race for Lambacher/Lambacher?

“It was a very difficult season for us; things just never really went smoothly. That makes winning the overall title with a victory all the more wonderful,” Matthias Lambacher rejoiced. Peter Lambacher, in his season review, highlighted the European Championship title in Laas in January, and then shocked everyone with a statement: “This was probably our last race today. We're leaving the door slightly open, but I don't think we'll be back at the starting line next winter.”

Matthias and Peter Lambacher are at the very top. © Ulrich Wilhelm

“We’re happy with how the season went for us. We won three races and had fun,” Maximilian Pichler stated. Pichler/Edlinger had to sit out one race due to a hand injury. “That can happen; it was our fault. We simply should have won in Umhausen and here. Congratulations to the Lambachers, they deserved the globe,” Edlinger said, showing true sportsmanship.

“I was really nervous at the start. As the World Cup leader in the starting gate, you really feel the pressure,” Tobias Paur revealed. “I’m super happy with the season; the fans with the cowbells here in the finish area were fantastic,” Hofer added.
The singles finals take place in Jaufental/Val di Giovo on Saturday from 17 pm. Riccarda Ruetz (AUT) has already secured the overall women's title. In the men's competition, Daniel Gruber (ITA) leads Fabian Achenrainer (AUT), who posted the fastest time in both runs during Friday's training.

top-3 final doubles
1. Matthias Lambacher/Peter Lambacher (ITA), 55,01 seconds
2. Maximilian Pichler/Nico Edlinger (AUT), +0,04 seconds
3. Tobias Paur/Andreas Hofer (ITA), +0,46 seconds

Keywords Alpine tobogganing Jaufental