Tatyana Ivanova defends European Luge Championship title

Lillehammer (RWH) Tatjana Ivanova has successfully retained her European Luge Championship title. On the Olympic track in Lillehammer (NOR), the 2012 World Championship silver medallist took her fourth gold medal at the 51st European Championships of the International Luge Federation (FIL). In an exciting race, the 28-year-old Russian finished ahead of Germany’s Julia Taubitz, who had held the lead at the halfway mark. Third place went to Victoriia Demchenko (RUS), daughter of three-time silver medallist at the Winter Olympics, Albert Demchenko.

Tatyana Ivanova’s 14th singles victory has helped extend her lead in the overall standings of the Viessmann Luge World Cup. Second place in the Viessmann World Cup went to the USA’s Summer Britcher, who clinched her third podium finish of the current winter season. 

After six of twelve events, Tatyana Ivanova leads the overall standings with 582 points ahead of Julia Taubitz (550). Russia’s Victoriia Demchenko lies third on 392 points.

Quotes

Tatyana Ivanova (RUS / four-time European Champion)

“I don’t know what to say. I had a few issues on the first run. I was able to focus better on my second attempt.”

Summer Britcher (USA / U23 World Champion 2017)

“I am very happy. The weather conditions weren’t in my favour. We weren’t sure how the weather would actually turn out. I love driving here and I really enjoyed both runs.”

Julia Taubitz (GER / World Championship silver medallist 2019)

“Of course I’m happy. Sure, it’s a little disappointing given that I was leading at half time. But I’m delighted with a European Championships silver medal.”