Kristers Aparjods wins in Oberhof

Oberhof (FIL/11. Feb. 2024) Kristers Aparjodes has won the men's race at the EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup in Oberhof. The Latvian needed 1:27.263 minutes for his two runs. World Champion Langenhan came second in his home race, 0.042 seconds behind. The German thus extended his lead of 655 points in the overall World Cup over Jonas Müller (479). The Austrian, last year's world champion on this track, finished fourth, 0.139 seconds behind. His compatriot, sprint world champion David Gleirscher (0.042 seconds behind) also finished on the podium. Aparjods (470) is third in the overall standings after his victory.

While the final result does not come as a big surprise, the external influences are currently making for some strange races in the EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup. In Oberhof it was again more than five degrees above zero and it was raining. Despite all the efforts of the track workers, the track is getting slower as the races go on. And caused tactical curiosities. "We all slowed down, it's all a bit ridiculous," said Felix Loch, "if you're further ahead after the first run, you're even further back after the second."

Max Langenhan estimates that "without braking, I would certainly have ended up five places further back". David Gleirscher says: "This is a sign that something like this will happen again and again in the future, and not just with a view to the coming weekend, when the lugers will be racing in Thuringia once again. We have to prepare for that and think about something." Langenhan explains: "There is a window in which you can ride well in such conditions." The way it is at the moment, Loch thinks, "doesn't suit the sport. I want to race down quickly, but I have to slow down so that I have a good number in the second run."

The fastest after the first run was Svante Kohala. However, the Swede also managed a flawless run in the first run in 43.649 seconds. However, as the last starter, he only managed the 22nd best time. This resulted in 15th place (0.661) in the final standings.

Kristers Aparjods followed the discussions with the composure of the winner. With a big grin on his face, he said to his two colleagues on the podium: "Guys, I'm just heavier than you, I'm almost like a double."