Just like at the start of the season: Hannah Prock dominates in Winterberg

4th EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup in Winterberg

Winterberg (FIL/January 10, 2026) Hannah Prock knows Winterberg. Just like at the start of the EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup season, the Austrian also won on her second visit to the Hochsauerland region. With a time of 1:51.885 minutes, the 25-year-old celebrated her second World Cup victory. In both runs, she achieved the fastest times of all her competitors. “I feel totally at home in Winterberg; I can really let the sled go on this track,” said the beaming winner. And she was particularly proud of one aspect:

“I've never had two best times before. I'm totally happy and satisfied.” With this victory, she also regained the yellow jersey as the overall World Cup leader. Julia Taubitz finished second, 0.087 seconds behind. The World Champion thus proved that her 15th place at the start of the season was a blip.

“I fought my way up the rankings compared to my last appearance here,” she said. “My runs weren't completely flawless at the top, which was annoying. But I was able to really fly down the bottom.”

Verena Hofer came in third. However, the Italian was already 0.365 seconds behind. After finishing second in Park City, this was her second podium finish in her career. “We had good preparation – both physically and mentally,” she explained, “a lot has happened.” The new track in Cortina d'Ampezzo also played a big part in Hofer's newfound strength. “We were able to do more runs there than usual,” said the 24-year-old, “which gives you a lot of confidence.”

Lisa Schulte followed in fourth place, 0.430 seconds behind. However, the Austrian benefited from a run with many slips by Summer Britcher. The American had achieved the fourth-fastest time in the first run, but then made a mistake and fell back to fifth place (0.642) with only the ninth-fastest run. Anna Berreiter (Germany) followed in sixth place, 0.691 seconds behind.

With one month to go before the Olympic Games, the focus is slowly shifting to the Olympic races in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Especially for Verena Hofer. “I can't wait,” she gushes, “I'm really looking forward to the Games.” Next week, the Italian team will skip the race in Oberhof and instead train for a few more days on their home track. “Then we can work out the right lines and the right setup.” This will certainly help Hofer, because unlike the Corona Games in Beijing without spectators, she can now expect a full house: “At home, with friends and family, it will be a whole different emotional experience.” But Prock is also full of anticipation for her third Olympic appearance. “The Olympic Games are of course a highlight,” says the Austrian, “I'm looking forward to everything, especially experiencing the atmosphere again.”