Sigulda (pps) Germany’s lugers have found their match in Albert Demchenko, the 2006 Olympic silver medalist and 2012 World runner-up of Russia. After twelve consecutive victories for Germany in the men’s singles of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series since November 27, 2011, the 41-year old athlete – the oldest competitor in the World Cup – ended the winning series of the protégés of head coach Norbert Loch. Italy's two-time Olympic and record World Champion Armin Zoeggeler claimed a second-place finish. The 38-year of from South Tyrol was the last non-German luger to have earned a World Cup top podium finish in Sigulda on February 19, 2011.
Felix Loch, in the lead after the first run, blew the chances of continuing the German winning streak when he made a capital mistake in curve 15. However, Loch eventually earned a third-place finish.
Loch is currently leading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings (355 points) ahead of Andi Langenhan (Germany / 300) and Albert Demchenko (257).
Quotes
Albert Demchenko (RUS / 2006 Olympic silver medalist and 2012 World runner-up)
“I feel younger than I actually am. We have a very good physiotherapist on our Russian team and I have no back problems. My 15th World Cup victory is an anniversary.”
Armin Zoeggeler (ITA / two-time Olympic and record World champion with six titles to his credit)
“Sigulda has always been one of my favorite tracks. Additionally, Albert Demchenko is a great motivation for me since he is even older than I am. It’s really something special when two lugers of our age make it onto the podium. Although – without that mistake - Felix would have surely won.”
Felix Loch (GER / 2010 Olympic and three-time
World Champion)
“I’ve made that really big mistake in the exit of curve 15. It was such a stupid mistake it almost makes me laugh. But hey, things like that happen.”
