Park City (pps) Olympic champion Tatjana Huefner celebrated a special kind of anniversary at the Viessmann Luge World Cup in Park City in the US state of Utah – the 25th individual victory of her career. Posting her fourth season’s victory the 27 year-old German luger defeated team-mate Anke Wischnewski to second place. Alex Gough of Canada finished third on the 2002 Olympic track – it was her second podium finish already this season after the World Cup in Winterberg.

Behind Natalie Geisenberger (GER) on fourth position, Julia Cluckey earned fifth place. Meeting the qualifying criteria of USA Luge, Cluckey has thus punched her ticket to the 42nd FIL Luge World Championships in Cesana, Italy, at the end of January.

With 400 points - the ideal number - Tatjana Huefer is still leading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings. Both having 290 points to their credit Anke Wischnewski and Natalie Geisenberger are tied for second place. US luger Erin Hamlin follows on fourth position (226); she posted the third-best time in the second run in Park City and thus improved from 15th to tenth place. Alex Gough (206) holds fifth position.

The Quotes

Tatjana Huefner (GER / 2010 Olympic champion)

“The first part of the season couldn’t have worked out any better. But it’s well known that I’m not a friend of statistics and that’s the reason why this success is not some kind of Christmas present for me. I’d rather have ‘real’ presents for Christmas.”

Anke Wischnewski (GER / 2007 World runner-up)

“I’m getting closer and closer. And if I’m a bit faster at the start I’ll be able to climb the top spot of the rostrum. But on the whole I’m quite happy.”

Alex Gough (CAN / 2009 World Championship fourth-placed)

“Two constant runs. Of course I would like to defeat Germany’s women, the sooner the better. And every week I’m giving it my best shot. I’m getting closer but you have to acknowledge – they’re simply very good.”