Julia Taubitz in front of two German teammates

Whistler (FIL/16 Dec 2023) It looked like a mixed podium at the EBERSPAECHER Women's Luge World Cup in Whistler. But it turned out to be one in black, red and gold: Julia Taubitz won unchallenged in 1:18.066 minutes, 0.111 seconds faster than her teammate Anna Berreiter. Merle Fraebel was just two thousandths of a second behind in third place.

US American Emiliy Sweeney, who was second to Taubitz after the first run, finished fourth (0.155 seconds back). But she won the American Pacific Championship. Madeleine Egle also had too many waves, which dropped the Austrian from third to fifth place, 0.160 seconds behind. Elina Vitola is usually one of the best starters. However, she lost this advantage at the start turn and the Latvian dropped from fourth to sixth place (0.162).

It was the 23rd World Cup victory for Julia Taubitz. But she does not want to overestimate the improvement compared to last year's dress rehearsal, when she finished second behind Egle. "The cards will be completely reshuffled at the World Championships next season, but it's definitely a good feeling.”

Anna Berreiter was surprised. Especially after the first run. "Seven hundredths of a second behind with a clean run was a bit disappointing," she admitted. In the second run she put all her eggs in one basket and won despite a small mistake at the start. "After my bad start I was worried that it might not be enough. She managed to save two thousandths of a second. Merle Fraebel was annoyed. "In the second run, I was shaking again in the final turn. But it was nice to see the number 1 at the finish," she said. She finished third at the end. 

Embyr-Lee Susko was very happy. The Canadian from Whistler was cheered on by her family and friends as she finished third at the American Pacific Championships. "I was a little nervous, but it was really nice to be with my family and friends," said the 18-year-old. Behind champion Sweeney was fellow countryman Ashley Farquharson in second.