Cesana-Pariol (pps) They are both tied for the Viessmann Luge World Cup lead with 440 points, both celebrated two victories this season and they both are considered the top favourite to achieve the European Championship title in the men’s single. However, two-time Olympic champion Armin Zoeggeler of Italy won all three international competitions on his home-track (two World Cup events and Olympic Winter Games) while David Moeller’s best result in Cesana are two fourth places in the 2006-2007 and the 2005-2006 season. The German athlete achieved a fifth place at the Olympic Games in Torino.

„I failed the rehearsal“, Moeller explained his third place in the pouring rain on the artificial track in Koenigssee last weekend. And Zoeggeler was counting on his great skills on the demanding track: “It’s a track I like”. The upcoming January 13th might be a good omen for David Moeller – he will then celebrate his 26th birthday. And on the very same date last year he achieved a victory at the rehearsal for the World Championships in Oberhof.

Defending champion Albert Demchenko of Russia might be the one to thwart their plans. The birth of his second daughter Valentina on December 30, 2007 seemed to have given him wings and he repeated last year’s victory in Koenigssee. Demchenko gave proof of those driving skills that have already earned him an Olympic silver medal in 2006 and an European championship title. However, Demchenko crashed in Winterberg and he botched the runs in Lake Placid and Igls, taking a 21st and 23rd place respectively. Winning or crashing – that still seems to be his credo.