Whistler (pps) It was Olympic and World Champion Felix Loch of Germany who prevented the first US victory in the men’s singles of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series after 16 years. Claiming his second top podium finish this season - the 15th individual victory of his career - the 24-year-old athlete from Bavaria thus barred the way to the podiums top spot for US luger Chris Mazdzer. It was Wendel Suckow, 1993 World Champion, who claimed the last top podium finish in the men’s singles of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series in Nagano, Japan, on February 15, 1997. Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller, who won the season opener in Lillehammer, posted a third place result in Whistler.

Claiming the second place in the Viessmann Luge World Cup event Mazdzer not only celebrated the best result of his career. At the same time the 25-year-old also claimed the victory in the American Pacific Championships ahead of team mate Sam Edney, who earned his third consecutive sixth place result in the World Cup series. US luger Tucker West claimed the third place in the American Pacific Championships.

Loch is now heading the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup rankings with 330 points to his credit, ahead of compatriot David Moeller (300), who earned a fourth place result in Whistler. Junior World Champion Dominik Fischnaller of Italy is on third place with 295 points to his credit.

Quotes

Felix Loch (GER / 2010 Olympic Champion and four-time World Champion)

“I feel totally comfortable here in Whistler. I’m very happy to win once more on this track. And I’m happy to get back the yellow jersey for the lead in the overall World Cup.”

Chris Mazdzer (USA)

“Last year I’ve claimed my best result here in Whistler and now I even improved it. I love this track and I love the venue. I took a lot of risks in these cold temperatures and the hard ice. But it paid off. Well, it only shows that the Germans can be defeated. It’s just that everything has to work out just right…”

Dominik Fischnaller (ITA / 2013 junior World Champion)

“I’m absolutely happy with my third place result. The ice conditions were great and it was freezing cold. Well, everything was just picture perfect for me.”