Altenberg (pps) Olympic Champion Felix Loch of Germany added another title to his extensive collection. The four-time World Champion, who also claimed the European title in the pre-Olympic season, earned his third overall Viessmann Luge World Cup win after 2011-12 and 2012-2013. Thanks to his leading margin of 170 points ahead of the season final in Sigulda, Latvia, next weekend, Loch cannot be ousted from the top spot any more. The German national luge squad will not compete in Sigulda as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

At the eighth stop of the World Cup series in Altenberg, Saxony, 24-year-old Loch celebrated the 5th success in the Olympic season and now has 18th individual victories to his credit.

Including the 2012 World Championship, Loch remained undefeated since the winter of 2009-2010 on the artificially refrigerated track in Altenberg where he claimed his fourth top podium finish today. With today’s success he confirmed his position as top favorite for a medal at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia (February 7-23, 2014).

Russia’s Albert Demchenko, in top position after the first run, claimed a second place finish ahead of Andi Langenhan (Germany). Thanks to a great second run, Loch soared past the silver medalist of the 2012 Worlds to take the top spot on the podium.

Loch is heading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings with a total of 685 points, trailed by teammate David Moeller (515), who earned a fourth place finish in Altenberg. Italy’s Armin Zoeggeler holds third position on the overall rankings with 495 points to his credit.

Quotes

Felix Loch (GER / Olympic and four-time World Champion)

“Everyone knows that I like the track here in Altenberg. It’s where I celebrated my first World Cup victory. Well, I don’t think there is something like a perfect run. But the second run today was rather close to it. The overall title is a great motivation for the Olympic Games.”

Albert Demchenko (RUS / 2006 Olympic silver medalist and runner-up at the 2012 Worlds)

“I’m happy with the result. I’m taking everything step by step. I don’t think about the Olympic Games yet.”

Andi Langenhan (GER / bronze medalist at the 2013 Worlds)

“It’s nice to be on the podium. I’ve already had this pleasure last week in Oberhof and I enjoy it today, too. Well, I could get used to it…”