Roman Repilov sets new track record to claim victory

Lake Placid (RWH) First of all local hero Tucker West reclaimed the track record he had conceded the day before, but Russia’s Roman Repilov struck back to claim victory. The World Championship silver medallist set the new track record on his second run to prevent a repetition of last year’s victory for West in the Viessmann World Cup in Lake Placid, USA. Repilov’s compatriot Semen Pavlichenko finished second.

West, who currently holds the International Luge Federation (FIL) U23 World Championship title, set a new record of 50.904 seconds on his first run to better the benchmark of 50.970 seconds set by Semen Pavlichenko (RUS) the day before. But the 22-year-old US luger failed to claim victory on his home track on Mount van Hoevenberg as he went on to post only the ninth best time on the second run. The Russians were just too hard to beat today.

Olympic Champion Felix Loch (GER) missed out on a podium finish but did manage to finish seventh to defend his lead in the overall standings (on 501 points). Second and third places are currently held by Semen Pavlichenko (351) and Austria’s World Champion Wolfgang Kindl (329), who finished sixth in Lake Placid. Johannes Ludwig claimed fourth to muscle his way into contention for Olympic selection by the German Federation.

After the BMW Sprint World Cup on Saturday, the Viessmann World Cup takes a break before resuming on 6-7 January 2018 on the artificial ice track in Königssee (GER).

Quotes

Roman Repilov (RUS / 2017 World Championship silver medallist and overall winner of the Viessmann World Cup 2016/2017):

“This doesn’t come as a surprise. I knew I could win here in Lake Placid. I want to dedicate this victory to our coaching staff, the entire Russian team and my country.”

Johannes Ludwig (GER / World Championship fourth in 2017 and World Championship bronze medallist in 2013):

“I’ve narrowly missed out on the Olympics twice before. I hope I’ve done enough this time. Finishing fourth on my least favourite track in Lake Placid: that’s my best result here.”