Paramonovo (pps) Andi Langenhan of Germany has claimed his career’s first European Championship title. At the 43rd European Championships of the International Luge Federation (FIL), simultaneously final of the Viessmann Luge World Cup series, the two-time World bronze medallist surprisingly defeated two-time Olympic and record champion Armin Zoeggeler of Italy as well as teammate Felix Loch, Olympic and three-time World Champion. On the demanding track in Paramonovo, Russia, Langenhan achieved to set track records in both runs
Already ahead of the final in the Viessmann Luge World Cup in Paramonovo, Felix Loch had earned the “Joska” crystal award for the overall World Cup winner. Behind Loch with 815 points to his credit, Langenhan improved his ranking to second place. With a gap of four points the luger from Thuringia thus relegated his teammate David Moeller, fifth in Paramonovo, to third place.
Thanks to his victory Andi Langenhan is the first German luger to take a title on the track in Paramonovo.
Quotes
Andi Langenhan
(GER / 2012 European Champion, 2007 and 2011 World bronze
medalist) “That’s awesome. I’d never thought I could defeat either Armin or Felix on this track. Unbelievable! I’m happy that as the first German winner in Paramonovo I’ve written a small chapter of luge history.”
Felix Loch
(GER / 2010 Olympic Champion as well World Champion in 2008, 2009 and 2012)
“I honestly think that Andi deserves this victory. Well, Armin will surely be a bit disappointed that he didn’t take the podium’s top spot. For me it was a perfect season, having claimed the World Championship as well as the overall World Cup title. I’m really looking forward to next winter.” >
