Three races were on the program on Saturday at the World Cup opener in natural track luge on Winterleiten (AUT), in all three races Italy was on top of the podium.

Podium doubles (from left) Clara/Pigneter (ITA), Lambacher/Lambacher (ITA) and Brugger/Achenrainer (AUT)

Winterleiten (FIL/17.12.2022) There was a little surprise right at the start in the doubles: The brothers Patrick and Matthias Lambacher (ITA) celebrated their first World Cup victory in 2:13.06 minutes. The 2020 European champions were in second place after the first run, already 0.40 seconds behind their teammates Patrick Pigneter/Florian Clara. Lambacher/Lambacher did a fantastic second run, in the end they beat the luge-legends Pigneter/Clara by just 0,04 seconds, who recently celebrated five World Cup victories in a row. Fabian Achenrainer secured third place with his new partner Miguel Brugger (AUT) after Simon Achenrainer retired.
“We didn't expect this victory, because after the first run we were actually relatively far behind the leaders Pigneter/Clara. But the second run was really strong and we had luck on our side,” said Patrick Lambacher after the maiden victory in the World Cup.

Lambacher/Lambacher celebrated two vicotries within two hours

In the women's singles, on the other hand, Evelin Lanthaler's (ITA) winning streak continues. With the best time in both runs, Lanthaler clinched her 38th World Cup victory in 2.04.61 minutes, ahead of Tina Unterberger (AUT/+1.49 seconds) and Greta Pinggera (ITA/+1.72). “It's a perfect start to the new season, although I'm a little surprised by myself looking at the big lead. The eliminator on Sunday will definitely be exciting because it's a format that we rarely drive," explained Lanthaler in the winner's interview.

Evelin Lanthaler on the way to her 38th victory

Italian double victory also in the eliminator

Also on Saturday the eliminator (formerly the pursuer) in doubles was scheduled. In this elimination race in KO-format, the expected showdown between Lambacher/Lambacher and Pigneter/Clara took place in the finale. The newly crowned World Cup winners also showed their strength in the deciding run and grabed their second World Cup win within two hours in 1:05.44 minutes, ahead of Pigneter/Clara and Achenrainer/Brugger. "This is our day today. The material is perfect, and the fact that in the afternoon we were able to beat our winning time from the morning is unbelievable. I think we will never forget this day,” said Matthias Lambacher happily. Lambacher/Lambacher lead the overall ranking with 200 points, ahead of Pigneter/Clara (170 points) and Achenrainer/Brugger (140 points)

On Sunday, the eliminator in the women's and men's singles is on the program at the Winterleiten.

Top 3 doubles, 1st World Cup
1. Patrick Lambacher/Matthias Lambacher (ITA), 2:13.06 minutes
2. Patrick Pigneter/Florian Clara (ITA), +0.04 seconds
3. Fabian Achenrainer/Miguel Brugger (AUT), +2.66 seconds

Top 3 women's singles
1. Evelin Lanthaler (ITA), 2:04.61 minutes
2. Tina Unterberger (AUT), +1.49 seconds
3. Greta Pinggera (ITA), +1.72 seconds

Finale doubles, eliminator
1. Patrick Lambacher/Matthias Lambacher (ITA), 1:05.44 minutes
2. Patrick Pigneter/Florian Clara (ITA), 1:05.59 minutes
3. Fabian Achenrainer/Miguel Brugger (AUT), 1:07.38 minutes
4. Matevz Verelj/Vid Kralj (SLO), 1:08.11 minutes