Roman Repilov becomes second Russian athlete to win the overall Viessmann World Cup

Altenberg (RWH): Roman Repilov has made it into the International Luge Federation’s (FIL) history books as the second ever Russian athlete to win the overall Viessmann World Cup. At the Cup series’ season finale in the Saxon town of Altenberg, the two-time Junior World Champion and runner-up at the World Championships in Innsbruck celebrated his third win of the season, meaning that he also secured the Joska crystal trophy for the overall win. The victory was an early birthday present for the athlete, who will turn 21 on 5 March. Until now, the first and only Russian to have finished top of the overall standings in the Viessmann World Cup was the three-time Olympic silver medallist Albert Demchenko, who won in the winter of 2004/2005.

Felix Loch, who has now failed to win a title for the first time since the winter of 2010/2011, finished second in Altenberg to miss out on his ninth consecutive victory. The two-time Olympic Champion and five-time World Champion had previously won every race on the challenging track in Altenberg since the winter of 2009/2010, including the World Championships in 2012. Third place at the race went to Johannes Ludwig (GER), who finished fourth at the World Championships. 

In the overall standings for the Viessmann World Cup, Repilov (845) and Loch (748) were followed by Wolfgang Kindl (700) of Austria.

Quotes

Roman Repilov (RUS / two-time Junior World Champion and runner-up at the 2017 World Championships):

“This victory proves that we are on the right path. This trophy really means a lot to me because I have never finished top of the season before. I think that I will be able to celebrate a few more victories like this in the future. I hope that I will be able to win Olympic gold next year.”

Felix Loch (GER / two-time Olympic Champion and five-time World Champion):

“It would have been nice to have held on to the series. Roman Repilov has just been so strong this year. He didn't just deserve to win the race here in Altenberg today, he also deserved the overall World Cup.”

Johannes Ludwig (GER / fourth place at the World Championships and World Champion in the team relay):

“This ending compensates for the rest of the season. I had hoped to finish in the top three earlier in the season. My season started well with a win in Winterberg and now ends here with a bronze medal. It’s a nice way to round things off.”