Winterberg (pps) The Winterberg bob and luge track proved a fountain of youth for 37-year-old Georg Hackl and the turning-point in the so far mediocre season of Germany’s three-time Olympic champion. “His favourite tracks are now on the programme”, said Italy’s 2002 Olympic champion Armin Zoeggeler after Hackl’s first victory this season. It was Hackl’s tenth win at Winterberg. Besides now nine World Cup victories, the Bavarian also achieved his first World title here in 1989.

„It is fortunate that there are sites where I can get back into shape and show what I can do”, Hackl was pleased. “The season started at Altenberg, Germany, and Sigulda, Latvia, on tracks that don’t suit me”, the three-time World champion reminisces. “I could have done better in the overseas events and at the European Championships at Oberhof. You quickly have a bad series and then it’s said, Hackl isn’t good anymore.”

The 2002 silver medallist let his fun in luging not be spoiled, however. “I am still learning more and more, and luging can be improved, the equipment as well as the organisation”, Hackl discloses. His aim for this season are the World Championships in Nagano, Japan.

But Hackl does not consider himself to be the favourite in Nagano, although Armin Zoeggeler said: “The start there is made for Hackl. You cannot gain much time on that track. To me, he is the clear favourite at Nagano.” And Hackl praises the Italian 2004 European champion: „Armin is outstanding and has an allround sled. I can be fast in certain conditions, Armin in any condition.”

A technical challenge stimulating tinkerer Hackl. “As long as I haven’t found out how he does it, I shall go on”, Hackl smilingly announced. The 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin is and remains a goal for Georg Hackl.