Oberhof (pps) This season Armin Zoeggeler of Italy is again the measure of all things in the men’s single. Winning his second European gold medal after 2004, the 34-year-old athlete from South Tyrol achieved the ninth title of his career. “The start in Oberhof is not really to my liking”, he is quite modest. But – whoever wants to grab the title in Oberhof has to beat Armin Zoeggeler first.

Right on time before the World Championships Albert Demchenko of Russia has gathered momentum again – as his victory in the Viessmann Luge World Cup event in Koenigssee and his European silver medal clearly demonstrated. The hosts, however, have set their hopes on defending champion David Moeller. The European bronze medallist intends to turn the tables again at the Worlds. After a ninth place at the 2008 Europeans, a medal is only a distant prospect for Jan Eichhorn, 2007 World bronze medallist. Junior World champion Felix Loch will have another opportunity to gather experience. Directly after the conclusion of the Worlds, Loch will travel to the States in order to defend his title at the Junior World Championships in Lake Placid and to “practice a bit for the 2009 Worlds”, as German head coach disclosed.

It remains to be seen what Austria’s athletes will be up to – at the Europeans Daniel Pfister and Martin Abentung raced to a fourth and fifth place respectively. Additionally, Manuel Pfister surprisingly finished in tenth place.

Schedule for Saturday, January 26
11:00 hrs men’s single
14:00 hrs Kick-off of “Luge Legends“, Showdown „VIPs in action“and „Media Race“
18:00 hrs “Warm Up“ at the spa gardens
19:30 hrs victory ceremony – men’s single