Jessica Tatyana Ivanova starts winter season with eleventh career victory

Innsbruck (RWH) Three-time European Champion Tatyana Ivanova has secured her eleventh singles victory in the Viessmann Luge World Cup in Innsbruck to get the 2019/2020 winter season up and running – a season which includes the 49th World Championships of the International Luge Federation (FIL) in Sochi. Some two and a half months ahead of the main event on the Russian track used for the 2014 Olympics, the 2015 World Championship silver medallist relegated the USA’s Summer Britcher into second place. Third place was shared by German sliders Jessica Tiebel and Juliet Taubitz.

The race lived up to the hype, taking place in gusty winds and warm temperatures. With defending champion Natalie Geisenberger and Olympic silver medallist Dajana Eitberger (GER) both on maternity leave, and following the retirement of Germany’s Tatjana Hüfner, the 2010 Olympic Champion, Lisa Schulte led the field at the halfway point. The 19-year-old luger from the Stubaital wound up finishing sixth to claim the best result of her career. 

Quotes

Tatyana Ivanova (RUS / three-time European Champion)

“I had an unlucky starting number on the first run, but it was the same for everyone as we all had high numbers. The second run was crucial and I timed it to perfection.”

Summer Britcher (USA / U23 World Champion 2017)

“This is my best ever start to a season. I had a really tough time last year. But now I’m pumped and looking forward to the new winter season. My aim is to be as proud of my performance as I can be every weekend.”

Julia Taubitz (GER, 2019 World Championship silver medallist)

“I put in an awful performance today, so the result is actually pretty good. To make matters worse, I also wrecked my sled. I’ll probably have a good laugh at the photos later, but I feel like punching something right now.”

Jessica Tiebel (GER, 2018 Junior World Champion 2018)

“I’m just really delighted.”