Strike two for Johannes Ludwig

Oberhof (RWH) Johannes Ludwig has taken his second win in the space of a week. The 2018 Olympic bronze medallist raced from 21st place to victory in the Latvian town of Sigulda last weekend and repeated the feat today in Oberhof. The 2013 World Championship bronze medallist moved up from 24th at the halfway point to clinch his maiden home win and stand on the top step of the podium. In his fourth singles victory in the Viessmann World Cup, the local hero finished ahead of the Russian Semen Pavlichenko and Latvia’s Inars Kivlenieks, who finished second and third respectively.

The race on the artificial ice track in the Thuringian Forest was affected by adverse weather. Amidst steady rain and warm temperatures, the track conditions deteriorated as the start numbers on the first run increased. This was turned on its head on the second run when, as always, the competitors ran in reverse order. 

Thuringia’s Minister-President Bodo Ramelow and local hero Johannes Ludwig were all smiles at the flower ceremony, despite the weather. “The weather is a law unto itself, so the state government can’t interfere,” Ramelow said whimsically.

Roman Repilov (RUS) finished eighth in Oberhof to remain at the top of the overall standings with 695 points. Italy’s European Champion Dominik Fischnaller (634) is second overall, having finished ninth in Oberhof. Semen Pavlichenko retains third (609). Oberhof winner Ludwig lies fifth on 490 points behind Olympic Champion David Gleirscher (515) from Austria.

Quotes

Johannes Ludwig (GER / Olympic bronze medallist 2018 and World Championship bronze medallist 2013)

“I don’t mind winning like this, as long as it ends well. I used what I learned in Sigulda to good effect and gave it my all to put in a solid run. I’m amazed at the spectators who came to the track in these conditions. It’s also my first victory in Oberhof. I did benefit from the weather conditions, I must be honest.”

Semen Pavlichenko (RUS / World Champion in 2015, three-time European champion)

“That was a very tricky race. You can get away with the odd small mistake in freezing temperatures and packed ice. But in today’s conditions a small error has major consequences.”