Whistler (pps) Setting a new start record in her first run, Germany’s Natalie Geisenberger ushered in her eighth individual World Cup victory. At the second stop of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series in Whistler, Canada, the Olympic bronze medallist, who improved the start record of Swiss luger Martina Kocher to 8.297 seconds, took the top spot on the podium, being 0.043 seconds ahead of Olympic champion Tatjana Huefner of Germany. European champion Tatiana Ivanova of Russia (0.167 seconds behind) took third place.

Cheered on by the numerous spectators at the 2010 Olympic luge track, Alex Gough of Canada finished in fourth position, ahead of Germany’s Anke Wischnewski and former World champion Erin Hamlin (USA) on fifth and sixth place respectively.

The overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings are still headed by three-time World champion Tatjana Huefner who has 185 points to her credit. Natalie Geisenberger now holds second position (160), ahead of team-mate Anke Wischnewski (140).

Quotes Natalie Geisenberger

(GER / Olympic bronze medallist and three-time World silver medallist) “After my fourth place in Innsbruck-Igls I just wanted to win here in Whistler. Taking the bronze medal at the Olympic Games was my so far biggest success in luge, but its with a mix of emotions that I came back to Whistler. The accident is

still on our minds.” Tatjana Hüfner

(GER / 2010 Olympic and three-time World champion)

“I’m not happy with my performance. At the start to my second run I didn’t really catch hold of the sled handles.” Tatiana Ivanova

(RUS / Olympic 5th-placed and 2010 European champion)

“I like competing o

n this track. After the second place in Sigulda it’s my career-best result in the World Cup series.”