Altenberg (pps) With seven season victories and as top favorite for a gold medal Germany’s World Champion Natalie Geisenberger will be travelling to the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. About three weeks prior to the Opening Ceremony on February 7, 2014, the 25-year-old achieved her seventh season and 23rd career victory – thanks to a start and track record in the first run - at the eighth stop of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series in Altenberg, Germany.

At the same time the bronze medalist of the 2010 Winter Games put any doubts to rest that she will indeed claim her second overall World Cup title, even though she and the rest of the German Olympic squad will not compete at the season final and 45th FIL Luge European Championships next weekend in Sigulda, Latvia. Geisenberger holds the top position on the overall rankings with a total of 785 points to her credit, followed by Tatjana Huefner (GER / 551 points) and Alex Gough of Canada (541 points).

At the Viessmann Luge World Cup event in Altenberg Gough earned a second place result while teammate Kimberly McRae achieved her first career podium finish, claiming third place. Dajana Eitberger clocked the best run time in the second run and improved from place 15th to fifth place right behind Huefner. US luger Erin Hamlin finished in sixth position.

Quotes

Natalie Geisenberger (GER / 2013 World Champion, bronze medalist at the 2010 Olympic Games)

“From start to finish my first run was really good. They all tell me that I’m the top favorite to win the gold medal at the Games. However, my aim is to claim a medal. The pressure is high enough and I don’t need to put myself under even more pressure.”

Alex Gough (CAN)

“I’ve had a bit of bad luck with the starting number in the first run. Today’s result makes me optimistic traveling to Sochi.”

Kimberly McRae (CAN) “

That’s awesome. I’m overwhelmed and happy. I achieved two consistent runs.”