Julia Taubitz takes second victory in the Viessmann Luge World Cup amidst heavy snowfall

Königssee (RWH) Julia Taubitz mastered the snowy conditions in Königssee to clinch her second victory in the Viessmann Luge World Cup. On the oldest ice track in the world, which has undergone comprehensive modernisation in recent years, the 22-year-old improved from sixth at half-time by posting the fastest time in the second heat to secure the top position. Second place went to the USA’s Summer Britcher, while third was claimed by Hannah Prock, the daughter of two-time luge World Champion Markus Prock.

Due to the heavy snowfall the jury arranged for the track to be swept after every fifth starter.  The snow caused a real stir in the results table. Russia’s Ekaterina Katnikova, front runner at the halfway point, ended up finishing 17th. Her compatriot Tatyana Ivanova managed to salvage a fourth-place finish having been second after the first heat. Natalie Geisenberger, Olympic Champion in 2014 and 2018, finished eighth on her home track.

Geisenberger now leads the overall standings of the Viessmann World Cup with 612 points, ahead of Taubitz (595) and Summer Britcher (415).

Quotes

Julia Taubitz (GER, 2016 Junior World Champion)

“I thought I could get a podium place, but never a victory. I’m not as happy as when I won my first race in Canada. In Calgary it was a completely fair race. I had a bit of luck here because the track was swept twice just before my start. Natalie was unlucky as the track wasn’t swept. I have to admit, without the snow I wouldn’t have won here.”

Summer Britcher (USA / U23 World Champion 2017, YOG Champion in Team Relay 2012)

“I’m not all that surprised. I knew that anything can happen in these weather conditions. It was a crazy day. I usually don’t go very well at this track, but I felt great from the start this time. I had a lot of fun all week. Of course the snow had an effect on the race, but not all that much.”

Hannah Prock (AUT / Olympic competitor 2018)

“I'm over the moon. I'm focussing on my studies this year. My main goal for the season is to compete at the Junior World Championships in Innsbruck. But of course I also want to be at the World Championships in Winterberg.”