Koenigssee (pps) For nine years now Germany’s lugers have been waiting for a success on their home track in Koenigssee. And they have to wait a bit longer. At the fifth stop of the Viessmann Luge World Cup in the post-Olympic season two-time Olympic champion Armin Zoeggeler of Italy, who set up a new track record in his first run, already celebrated his eighth victory on the oldest artificially-iced track world-wide. Earning his 53rd individual victory the five-time World champion defeated Russia’s Albert Demchenko (0.357 seconds behind) to second place. Zoeggeler’s compatriot Reinhold Rainer (0.409 seconds behind) finished in third position.“

Germany’s David Moeller (0.447 seconds behind) and Olympic champion Felix Loch (0.458 seconds) had to make do with a fourth and fifth place. It was on December 13, 2001 that Georg Hackl had the honor to celebrate the last German victory in the men’s singles in Koenigssee.“

Zoeggeler is leading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings with 470 points to his credit, followed by Loch (345) and Moeller (324).“

The Quotes“

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

“My first run was near perfect. But to say it was the best Armin Zoeggeler of all times – that will be for others to determine. Anyway, I feel great and it’s always something special to defeat the German athletes on their home track.” Albert Demchenko (RUS / 2006 Olympic runner-up; 2010 European champion) “I’ve made too many mistakes in the first run. Actually, I reckoned with different weather conditions. The second run was much better. After all, this is my best result so far this season.”“

Reinhold Rainer (ITA / 1998 and 2006 Olympic 8th-placed) “

“Already in training it all worked out fine. Of course the new track with its longer length of run fits my driving style. But then our material was very good, too.” “