Sigulda (pps) Germany’s women lugers have found their “master”: after three consecutive victories for Germany, Russia’s European Champion Tatiana Ivanova ended the black-red-golden winning series. At the fourth stop of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series on the artificially iced track in Sigulda, Latvia, the 21-year old 2012 World silver medalist defeated Natalie Geisenberger and Anke Wischnewski to second and third place, respectively. Olympic Champion Tatjana Huefner (Germany) had to settle for a fourth-place finish and is still waiting for her 32nd individual victory in the Viessmann Luge World Cup in the pre-Olympic season.
Tatjana Ivanova earned her first international title at the 2010 Europeans in Sigulda, venue of the upcoming 45th FIL Luge World Championships. She then successfully defended the title at the 2012 Europeans “at home” in Paramonovo.
Natalie Geisenberger is currently leading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings with 370 points to her credit, ahead of Wischnewski (315) and Huefner (260).
The Viessmann Luge World Cup series is now taking a Christmas break. The next stop of the series is on the artificially iced track in Koenigssee on January 5-6, 2013.
Quotes
Tatiana Ivanova (RUS / two-time European Champion and 2012 World Silver e medalist)
“I’m absolutely happy about my second World Cup victory. My first run was really very good. I’m pleased that I kept my lead until the very end.” Natalie Geisenberger (GER / bronze medalist at the 2010 Olympic Games and 2012 World Championships)
“I the second run I showed my potential. But then it’s good for the sport when every now and again another luger takes the podium’s top spot. I’m quite happy with the course of the season – twice on first place, twice a second-place finish and being at the top of the overall rankings. Well, that’s not too bad.”
Anke Wischnewski (GER / 2007 World silver medalist)
“Conditions were difficult and I’ve been particularly careful during the runs.”
