Cesana (pps) Six years after having posted his fifth World Championship title, Italy’s Armin Zoeggeler has again climbed the “luge throne”. The two-time Olympic champion won his sixth World gold medal on the 2006 Olympic luge track in Cesana, Italy, on Saturday, January 29, 2011.

Thus, the 37-year old luger from Tyrol remained undefeated on his favorite track, inaugurated in 2005. Apart from his sixth World Championship title Zoeggeler also achieved the 2006 Olympic title, became European champion in 2008 and celebrated four victories in the Viessmann Luge World Cup on the track in the Piedmont.

Germany’s Felix Loch took silver at the 42nd World Championships of the International Luge Federation, FIL, his compatriot Andi Langenhan earned bronze.

Thanks to Zoeggeler’s victory, Italy defended its top position on the overall medal rankings in the men’s singles with now nine gold medals. Runner-up behind the hosts (9 gold – 4 silver – 7 bronze) is Germany (7 – 10 – 6).

Armin Zoeggeler (ITA / 2002 and 2006 Olympic champion, World champion in 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2011)

“In my first run I’ve made a tiny mistake at the start but apart from that I’ve had a perfect run. This World Championship title surely belongs to the important titles of my career. I’ll finish this season and then I’ll decide how to carry on.”

Felix Loch (GER / 2010 Olympic champion, 2008 and 2009 World champion, 2011 World runner-up)

“I’m happy with the silver medal. Being defeated by Armin Zoeggeler on his home track by no more than two hundredths of a second – that’s really not a shame at all.”

Andi Langenhan (GER / 2008 and 2011 World bronze medallist) “I’m really pleased. I’ve shown the best possible performance today. After all, and you have to bear that in mind, I had this serious crash on this track during the training week last autumn.”