Erin Hamlin, Wolfgang Kindl and Wendl/Arlt are the 2017 Sprint World Champions

Innsbruck (RWH) The 2nd Sprint World Championships of the International Luge Federation (FIL) on the Olympic ice track in Innsbruck featured two surprise results and a win for one of the hot favourites. USA luger Erin Hamlin took an unexpected victory in the women’s sprint to become World Champion, while Germany’s defending champions Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt won out against long-term rivals and compatriots Toni Eggert/Sascha Benecken in the doubles. Only local hero Wolfgang Kindl lived up to his billing as hot favourite by clinching victory in the men’s sprint competition on his home track.

Hamlin can add her surprise gold medal to the one she took home when she became World Champion in the Olympic discipline of women’s luge back in 2009. Defending champion Martina Kocher from Switzerland was happy with silver, following her shock gold medal in last year’s event. Bronze went to record-breaking World Champion Tatjana Hüfner of Germany.

“This is incredible, I wasn’t expecting it at all”, claimed the new World Champion, Hamlin. “I am absolutely delighted, even though my 2009 title still means more to me.”

The doubles sprint ended with a crash for two of the favourites. Toni Eggert/Sascha Benecken (GER), who have won seven of nine races this season, failed to take the World Championship title as their arch-rivals and defending champions Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt romped to victory instead. Eggert/Benecken had to settle for just bronze behind the Austrian duo of Peter Penz/Georg Fischler. Fischler was only recently cleared to compete in the World Championships following a bout of myocarditis.

Victory in the men’s race went to local hero Wolfgang Kindl (AUT), who took the plaudits in front of crowds of home fans. He finished ahead of the Russian Roman Repilov and Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller. Defending champion Felix Loch had to settle for tenth, while Johannes Ludwig crashed out.

“I knew I could win here,” said a relieved Kindl. “I’m really pleased and I hope I can mix it with the frontrunners again on Sunday.”

Last year’s sprint competition was the first time the event had featured in the FIL World Championships, with wins for Martina Kocher (SUI), Natalie Geisenberger and Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt (all GER). The titles in the Olympic women’s, men’s and doubles disciplines, and in the team relay, are all up for grabs this weekend at the 47th FIL World Championships in Innsbruck.