Viessmann Luge World Cup and 47th FIL European Championships in Altenberg

Altenberg (RWH) The European Championships will be decided in Altenberg, and it is highly likely that the overall World Cup will also be settled on the track in the Eastern Ore Mountains. The 8th Viessmann Luge World Cup of the 2015/2016 season on the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track in Altenberg next weekend (February 13-14) will also double as the 47th International Luge Federation (FIL) European Championships.

The current Olympic and World Champions are the hot favorites for all races. Natalie Geisenberger, Felix Loch and Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt, who all train together in Berchtesgaden as the self-styled Sunshine Training Group, currently have a commanding lead in the overall standings of the Viessmann Luge World Cup and are therefore firm favorites to secure the European titles.

Despite only finishing third in Sochi, Natalie Geisenberger managed to defend her overall lead and now has 750 points. The USA’s Summer Britcher (645) has moved back up to second place ahead of her compatriot Erin Hamlin on 642 points. Defending champion Loch leads the men’s standings on 790 points ahead of Austria’s Wolfgang Kindl (685). American luger Chris Mazdzer (545) now lies third. Wendl/Arlt, who remain undefeated at the Sanki Sliding Center, have extended their lead in the overall Viessmann Luge World Cup standings to 867 points, giving them a comfortable 105-point advantage over defending champions Eggert/Benecken (762). Penz/Fischler are currently lying third on 715 points.

Germany has taken the lead in the team relay on 331 points, despite only finishing second behind the Russian contingent in Sochi. The US team has now moved into second place with 270 points. The Latvians, who had previously led the standings, did not finish the race and now lie in third place on 255 points. Russia has moved up to fourth place (240)