Dmitry Feld of USA Luge gives instructions to guest sliders at the start at turn 12. Photos/Richard Rosentreter/Lake Placid News

LAKE PLACID – New Year’s went by pretty fast – but for those who went to the annual USA Luge Sliding Championship on New Year’s Eve, it went even faster.

About 40 sliders came out and had an opportunity to ride the luge down the track at Mt. Van Hoevenberg on the same track used by Olympic athletes – one big difference being that these racers started at turn 12, and not the “real” start of the track.

The fundraising luge event had guests pumped up, as demonstrated by sliders who attended the event. As they came from the track, each still had plenty of adrenaline flowing as one by one they expressed their excitement.

“Great time!,” “Wow, that was fun!,” “There’s nothing else like it!” and “If you’re sliding, you’re gonna love it!” were just some of the luge-rider comments.

At the starting point on turn 12, Dmitry Feld, special events manager at USA Luge gave guest sliders an impromtu lesson in going down the frozen track on the sled.

Amy Bowers, of Saranac Lake, and Feld just seconds before her 53-second slide down the luge course.

“Just lay back and relax,” Feld told sliders. “Hold on to the side here, and keep your feet up, and don’t worry about steering.” An announcer introduced each slider as they began their descent. Most rides took less that 60 seconds – but all who spoke to the News, agreed it was a cool experience.

Attendees were not limited to those who wanted to get the exhilarating experience of a luge ride as the event was also open to spectators who just wanted to enjoy the festivities. Live music was performed by Larry Stone and the Harbingers and guests were treated to hors-d’oeuvr’es and beverages. All proceeds from the event benefit the USA Luge and will go to support its athletes and programs.

The event is an important one for USA Luge, according to marketing manager and former Olympic luge silver medalist Gordie Sheer.

“This event is very important to USA Luge for a number of reasons. First, it allows access to our sport in a fun and festive setting. It also helps to raise much-needed funds for our athletes and programs,” Sheer told the News. “We are very proud to be based here in Lake Placid and to work with ORDA on providing more opportunities like this throughout the winter.”

Race results

The winner of the race was Dr. DJ. O’Neill from High Peaks Dentistry, second place was taken by Preston Darrrah and third place by Dr. David Balestrini. “Luge Clash” between High Peaks Dentistry and Dr. Balestrini’s Lake Placid Family Dental was won by High Peaks this year. A re-match for that competition will be on Dec. 31, 2013 during the third annual USA Luge New Year’s Sliding Championship.

Upcoming public races

USA Luge is planning four more public luge sessions: Saturday, Jan. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 9 after the World Luge Cup races and Sunday, Feb. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

For more information on public sliding sessions, visit www.usaluge.org or call 518-523-2071.