Differences Between Bobsledders & Lugers

While many remember Nodar Kumaritashvili's fatal crash on the Whistler luge track during the 2010 Winter Olympics, most casual fans watch luge and its sister-sport, bobsledding, only every four years. Similarities between the two sports exist, including the fact that both men and women compete in both events. However, the size and style of ride down the track is completely different, as is the number of riders on a team.

  1. Sleds

    • The most obvious difference between the sports is the equipment competitors use to make their way down the track. While they use the same icy track, bobsleds are shaped much like canoes on four steel runners; they afford the athletes more protection from wind and serious injury if they crash. Lugers, by contrast, lie back on their sleds and go down the track feet-first. A luge sled resembles two side-by-side skateboards mounted on runners. Luge crashes are more common and more deadly.

    Bobsled Teams

    • Bobsled events consist of either two- or four-man team races with an emphasis on teamwork, timing and getting off to a quick start. Two-man teams have both a brakeman and a pilot, while four-man teams contain a brakeman, two crewmen and a pilot. The first 65 meters down the track is usually covered by world-class teams in under five seconds, with reaching speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. Once on the track, the pilot controls the steering of the sled, using ropes connected to the front runners to keep the sled on a good line. The brakeman helps to control the speed of the sled, which can top out at more than 90 miles per hour, by using brakehandles in the back of the vehicle.

    Luge

    • Luge is either a solo or two-man event wherein aerodynamics and precision are more important than teamwork. Lugers must keep their heads in correct position and bodies tight to the sled, as well as shift at the right time and press the runners with their feet. Their sled technique allows them to gain momentum around corners and reach speeds of more than 90 miles per hour.

    Natural Track Luge

    • Although most casual observers think of luge only on a controlled track with banked curves as seen in the Olympics, a natural track is the sport's roots. This type of track takes advantage of existing mountain roads and paths and is not as steep as an Olympic luge track. With a slope no greater than 1 degree, track builders can create more turns, which puts an emphasis on driving ability. Natural tracks aren't temperature controlled, so the ice needs to be packed more often and track conditions are less reliable. While the basic concept of the sled is the same, they are more flexible and have much sharper runner edges. The athletes also have small seats and steer using a steering strap, while dragging their arms and legs around corners to slow down from speeds that reach 60 mph. The first international natural track luge race was held in Switzerland in 1883.