Innsbruck-Igls (pps) Anke Wischnewski is the name of the season’s first World Cup winner. After an eight year-long “draught” the 34-year old luger from Germany celebrated her first top-podium finish at the season-opener of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series in Innsbruck-Igls. Wischnewski, who enjoys a career track record of 32 third places, had celebrated her so far only World Cup victory in Altenberg in 2004. Additionally, the 2007 World silver medalist set up a new track record in the first run on the artificially refrigerated track of the 1976 Olympic Games, clocking a time of 39.875 seconds.
Natalie Geisenberger of Germany finished 0.074 seconds behind Wischnewski to take second place. Canadian luger Alex Gough (0.152 seconds behind) took third place. Germany’s Tatjana Huefner, Olympic and four-time World champion as well as defending champion in the Viessmann Luge World Cup, had to make do with fourth place. Aileen Frisch, the young talent from Germany, finished in fifth position ahead of Julia Clukey (USA) on sixth place.
Quotes
Anke Wischnewski (GER / 2007 World silver medalist)
“I like the track in Igls. One can really glide through it and get the sled to dance. I’m really aiming for the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. But we have a highly competitive team of Germany lugers and so I need to make every effort not to remain in the World Cup squad. I don’t think about an overall World Cup victory.”
Natalie Geisenberger (GER / 2010 Olympic and 2012 World bronze medalist) “I had to risk a lot in the second run. It was a tough fight but I’m
really very happy with second place.”
Alex Gough (CAN / 2011 World bronze medalist)
“I have the same goals as last year: I want to achieve good starts and have good runs. I don’t really think about podium finishes. Well, at least I try…”
