Whistler (pps) Undoubtedly, World Champions Tobias Wendl-Tobias Arlt of Germany are taking up the role as top favorites in the doubles event at the upcoming Olympic Games. At the fourth stop of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series in Whistler, Canada, the defending champions not only claimed the victory but celebrated an anniversary: It was the 20th individual victory in their career – and they hope to hit the peak at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in two months’ time.

On the 2010 Olympic luge track the two Bavarian athletes defeated their team mates Toni Eggert-Sascha Benecken, who won the World Cup in Innsbruck-Igls, to second place. Austria’s Peter Penz-Georg Fischler, 2012 World bronze medalists in Altenberg, posted a third place result. At the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, however, Wendl-Arlt were only spectators.

The Candian doubles team of Tristan Walker-Justin Snith claimed a fourth place finish. At the same time Walker-Snith, who also earned a fourth place at the World Championships in Whistler in 2013, claimed the podiums’ top spot in the American-Pacific Championships.

Wendl-Arlt are heading the overall World Cup rankings with 385 points to their credit, ahead of Eggert-Benecken (290) and Penz-Fischler (249).

Quotes

Tobias Arlt >br>
(GER / 2013 World Champion, winner of the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup in 2010-2011 and 2012-2013)

“The track conditions were very good. But to be quite honest – it was a bit too cold for us. We like to be here and we like the track and that’s mirrored in the results last year and at the World Championships. Well, the Canadians are getting closer and we need to keep a close eye on them. They work hard and we believe that they’ll achieve a podium finish in the next few races.”

Toni Eggert

(GER / 2012 World silver medalist, 2013 European Champion) “After we crashed in Winterberg, a second place result really helps to build self confidence again.”

Tristan Walker

(CAN / fourth place at the 2013 Worlds, silver medalist in the Team Relay at the 2013 World Championships)

“We’re on the right track. With a bit more consistency in our sliding, we’re definitely going to succeed. We are definitely capable of pushing a podium finish.”