Georg Hackl second ahead of Markus Prock
Calgary. Armin Zöggeler put on the luge crown himself. At the end of the World Championships in Calgary, Canada, the 26-year old Italian achieved the best times in both heats with 1:30.139 minutes and for the third time after 1995 and 1999 he won the „Worldchampion“ title. Georg Hackl from Berchtesgaden, Germany won the silver medal (1:30.485) ahead of the Austrian Markus Prock (1:30.766).
During the 35th title competitions the lugers from Germany won three gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze medal and therefore were the most successful country. On Saturday the German luge ladies with Sylke Otto from Oberwiesenthal, Silke Kraushaar (Oberhof) and Barbara Niedernhuber (Königssee) all won a place on the rostrum. In the doubles discipline Andre Florschütz/Torsten Wustlich (Oberhof/Oberwiesenthal) won ahead of Steffen Skel/Steffen Wöller (Winterberg) and the Austrians Tobias und Markus Schiegl. In the teams competition Germany I won ahead of Germany II and USA I.
Statements:
Armin Zöggeler (Italy): „The conditions were difficult, as during this winter we never had such a hard ice. Therefore I changed my sled a bit. I succeeded in having two perfect runs with which I won the title. These conditions were a real challenge.“
Georg Hackl (Germany): „I still enjoy the sport and I have a lot of energy which I have proved. Without my mistakes in the first run I might have achieved the same times as Armin Zöggeler. In the second heat, however, he raced down with a vengeance. He has earned that victory.“
Markus Prock: „I did not expect this medal. Even less after my first run. I do not favour these icy conditions.“
