Tatiana Ivanova clinches fourth Viessmann Luge World Cup victory

Sigulda (RWH)  Tatiana Ivanova from Russia has become the fifth winner of the 2015/2016 season at the fifth round of the Viessmann Luge World Cup in Sigulda (LAT). The Russian, who won silver at the 2015 World Championships, took the fourth Viessmann Luge World Cup victory of her career in the seventh race of the season.

Ivanova, who finished fourth in the 2010 Olympics, set two track records during an exciting battle on the challenging artificial track in the Baltic state. Tatjana Hüfner, the 2010 Olympic Champion and four-time World Champion, finished behind her in second. Third place went to Sochi Olympic Champion Natalie Geisenberger from Germany. Local hero Eliza Cauce from Latvia secured her best result of the season in fourth.

Summer Britcher (USA) finished tenth in Sigulda and retained her lead in the overall standings of the Viessmann Luge World Cup on 529 points. Defending champion Natalie Geisenberger lies second on 495 points ahead of USA luger Erin Hamlin (486), who came home in fifth.

Quotes

Tatiana Ivanova (RUS / World Championship silver medallist in 2015 and 2012)

“I know this is my home track, but I’m still over the moon. This is the perfect motivation ahead of the World Championships in Königssee later this month.”

Tatjana Hüfner (GER, 2010 Olympic Champion and four-time World Champion)

“The conditions didn’t really suit me but I’m still delighted. The result shows that things are going well. Maybe I should have chosen a slightly different setup for the sled.”

Natalie Geisenberger (GER / Olympic Champion in 2014 and World Champion in 2013 and 2015)

“I’m happy. Five winners in seven races is good for luge as a sport, but I think things will pan out differently at the World Cup.”