Koenigssee (pps) At the Viessmann Luge World Cup in Koenigssee Olympic bronze medallist Natalie Geisenberger of Germany has put an end to the winning series of Tatjana Huefner who had won all four preceding events. Thus Geisenberger, the 2008 European champion, celebrated her seventh individual victory. With a winning margin of two hundredths of a second she relegated her team-mate and two-time World champion to second place. For the third time in the post-Olympic season Canada’s Alex Gough earned a third place.

Tatjana Huefner is still leading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings with a total of 485 points to her credit. She is the only female luger so far to have celebrated seven successive Viessmann Luge World Cup victories – in the /2007-2008 season she won the events in Calgary, Winterberg, Igls, Koenigssee, Oberhof, Altenberg and twice in Sigulda. Geisenberger holds second place (390 points) on the overall rankings, ahead of Anke Wischnewski (345), both of Germany. Right on her 33rd birthday Wischnewski earned a fifth place while Carina Schwab (GER) celebrated a career-best fourth place in Koenigssee.

The Quotes

Natalie Geisenberger (GER / 2010 Olympic bronze medallist and 2008 European champion)

“I’m really happy that I was able to demonstrate my skills. Surely both starting times were decisive. This is really a great start into the new year.”

Tatjana Huefner (GER / 2010 Olympic and two-time World champion)

“I’ve aimed for a podium finish. It has always been quite obvious that I can’t win every time. To be honest, I’d rather finish second now than at the World Championships.”

Alex Gough (CAN / 2009 World Championship 4th-placed)

“Obviously a third place on a track in Germany is more valuable than on one back home. The modernised track here in Koenigssee is great fun. And as far as my starts are concerned I’m getting closer to Natalie and Tatjana. Actually, I might soon be in for a second place – or even better. Who knows...”