Tatjana Hüfner comes out of dry spell with 34th World Cup victory

Oberhof (RWH)  Tatjana Hüfner has come out of a lean two-year period without World Cup victory and won the Viessmann World Cup in Oberhof (GER), the final rehearsal before the 46th International Luge Federation (FIL) World Championships being held in 14 days (29–31 January 2016) on the artificial ice track in Königssee. The 2010 Olympic Champion, who also won Olympic bronze in 2006 and silver in 2014, last stood at the top of the podium on 11 January 2014, also in Oberhof. Today’s victory is the four-time World Champion’s 34th victory in the singles.

Hüfner is the sixth female luger to win a World Cup in the 2015/2016 season. She was joined on the podium by teammates Natalie Geisenberger and Dajana Eitberger in second and third. Russia’s Tatiana Ivanova, who won last week’s race in Sigulda (Latvia), came fourth in Oberhof, while Martina Kocher of Switzerland set a personal best with fifth. In an exciting race on the challenging artificial track in the Thuringian Woods, Tatjana Hüfner beat the new track record set by Natalie Geisenberger just minutes before (41.414 seconds) with a new best time of 41.355 seconds.

Summer Britcher of the USA, who came eighth in Oberhof, has lost her lead in the overall Viessmann World Cup standings, moving back to second with 571 points. The standings are now headed by defending titleholder Natalie Geisenberger at 580 points. Erin Hamlin of the USA, who came sixth in this latest race, is overall third with 536 points. 

Next weekend, the Viessmann World Cup will be taking a break before the 46th FIL World Championships in Königssee, the highlight of the season. The 7th Viessmann World Cup will be held on the Olympic track in Sochi, Russia, on 6–7 February 2016.

Quotes

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

“I’m over the moon to be back at the top of the podium after two years. It’s even better that it’s here in Oberhof in this wonderful setting. The fact that I was able to win despite the mistake on the straight shows that I’m on the right track. The timing is just right for the World Championships.”

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

“I threw victory away in the first run. But the second run gives me hope. Taking the lead in the overall standings is a nice addition.”

Dajana Eitberger (GER / 2015 European Champion)

“I’m happy with my third place. It all worked. I’ve now got enough confidence for the World Championships.”