Eggert/Benecken clinch 17th Viessmann World Cup victory

Winterberg (RWH) As expected, the ongoing battle between the German doubles pairings looks set to continue this season. Toni Eggert/Sascha Benecken secured the 17th individual victory of their careers at the first round of the Viessmann World Cup of this pre-Olympic winter season in Winterberg. Their long-time rivals, the Olympic and World Champions Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt, had to settle for third place. The second step on the podium was claimed by Winterberg’s own Robin Geueke/David Gamm, whose previous best result was fourth place in Lake Placid last year.

The win for Eggert/Benecken, who set a new track record of 42.943 seconds on their second run, moves them up to fifth place in the all-time list of winners. The Thuringian lugers are now level with the Italian pairing of Christian Oberstolz/Patrick Gruber. The Latvian duo of Andris Sics/Juris Sics, who took Olympic silver in 2010 and bronze in 2014, secured fourth.

Quotes

Toni Eggert (GER / 2013 and 2016 European Champion, World Championship silver medallist in 2016)

“The ice conditions in training were pretty average, which meant we were two seconds slower than in the race. This isn’t an easy track, especially in the doubles. I think we won because we made the fewest mistakes.”

David Gamm (GER / fourth in the 2016 World Championships)

“We are over the moon with our first podium. And it’s great to do it on our home track in front of all our relatives and friends.”

Tobias Wendl (GER / 2010 Olympic Champion, triple World Champion)

“It’s better to make a mistake now than at the Olympics or World Championships.”