Winterberg (pps) Fiftieth anniversary at the Viessmann Luge World Cup: On Saturday, Armin Zoeggeler of Italy celebrated his 50th individual victory in the World Cup series. On the artificially-iced track in Winterberg, the 2002 and 2006 Olympic champion defeated two-time World champion David Moeller (GER/0.219 seconds behind) who took second place. Germany’s young luge talent Julian von Schleinitz made an impressive debut at his first competition in the Viessmann Luge World Cup. The two-time junior World champion finished on third place, just 0.279 seconds behind Zoeggeler and thus made it onto the podium at his very first go.
Italy’s Armin Zoeggeler and David Moeller of Germany are jointly leading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings after two of the altogether eight stops. Both have 170 points to their credit. Germany’s Olympic champion Felix Loch, fourth in Winterberg, collected 160 points so far and thus holds third position on the overall rankings.

Armin Zoeggeler (ITA/2002 and 2006 Olympic champion):
“I’m really pleased. I’ve had two great runs. And the material was just perfect. But I have to admit that I profited from the conditions.”

David Moeller (GER/2004 and 2007 World champion):
“I’m happy with my performance. I’ve had two good runs and both starts were just great – but the old man is simply faster.”

Julian von Schleinitz (GER/2009 and 2010 junior World champion):
“It couldn’t have worked out better. But now I’ll continue competing in the junior World Cup series and then I hope to defend my title at the junior Worlds in Oberhof. That will be difficult enough. In March I’ll have to get through my Abitur (A-level) examinations.”