Why luge relay is the most can’t-miss event at the Winter Olympics

Luge is already consider the “fastest sport on ice.” So why not make things more interesting with a relay?

The luge relay event is still relatively new to the Winter Olympics and has a new competent since the last Games. The 2014 Olympics was the first to include the relay.

Here’s how it works: each competing nation send down four sleds — one women’s singles, one men’s doubles, one men’s singles, and one women’s doubles.

The event previously did not include women’s doubles. That final run was included when this year along with the individual women’s double event.

Now let’s talk about what makes the relay so interesting.

The sleds go down one after another. No pauses. No breaks.

Once the first sled makes it to the bottom and the athlete strikes a pad with her hand, the men’s doubles take off. That pattern repeats for the men’s singles and women’s doubles.

The clock only stops when the fourth and final luge reaches the bottom.

For the luge relay, there are no heats or qualifying runs. Each team gets one pass at the relay and that’s it. So don’t miss out.

Here’s how to watch luge relay

The event starts Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET

Who is competing?

Nine teams were selected by the to compete in the luge relay.

The relay will go in the following order:

• Romania
• China
• Poland
• Ukraine
• USA
• Latvia
• Austria
• Italy
• Germany

The following U.S. athletes will compete:

• Women’s singles: Ashley Farquharson
• Men’s doubles: Marcus Mueller, Ansel Haugsjaa
• Men’s singles: Jonathan Gustafson
• Women’s doubles: Chevonne Forgan, Sophia Kirkby

Farquharson has already won bronze in the women’s single event.