44th World Cup victory: Eggert/Benecken draw level with Wendl/Arlt

Oberhof (FIL): Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken succeeded in a home victory at the EBERSPÄCHER World Cup in Oberhof. The two luge athletes from Suhl managed the fastest run in both heats through the rebuilt ice track in Thuringia. "The track has definitely become a bit different. In both runs we had problems in the new passage - first at the entry, then in the transition from the 10 into the 11," explained Eggert.

With this success they ended the winning streak of Thomas Steu and Lorenz Koller. The three-time season winners were 0.155 seconds behind. The Austrians missed a closer decision especially in the first run. They had finished 0.124 seconds behind and only the fourth-fastest run. "For Oberhof it was already very good, we traditionally have a hard time on this track," said the top person Steu.

Third went to their compatriots Yannick Mueller and Armin Frauscher (0.196 sec. back). "We were not completely flawless, but we are proud of the second podium of our career," said Mueller with satisfaction. "Congratulations to Yannick and Armin. It's nice that we can be four on the podium like in Igls," Koller was happy with his compatriots.

The winners of the last two winters in Oberhof Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt had to be satisfied with an unusual 18th place. The Olympic champions crashed in turn 12 in the first run. "It started promisingly, we felt good until turn 11," Wendl described the run. But after that, they ran into trouble. "Already in the final training, turn 12 didn't go so well, so we analyzed it again with our coaches Patric Leitner and Georg Hackl. We should go in flatter. We promptly implemented that and at the end of turn 12, as if the sled had entered a groove, it went straight up. Then it happened. Then it hurt. That's what happens."

With the victory in Oberhof, Eggert/Benecken celebrated their 44th success in the World Cup. They have thus drawn level with Wendl/Artl. In the overall World Cup, the Thuringians have been able to close the gap to leaders Steu/Koller a little. Wendl/Artl, however, are far behind due to the fall.

The results of the 3rd EBERSPÄCHER Luge World Cup in Oberhof are available under the following link: https://www.fil-luge.org/de/ergebnisse/eberspaecher-weltcup-2