Will we experience the next German toboggan fairytale in Innsbruck-Igls? At the start, doubles riders Jessica Degenhardt and Cheyenne Rosenthal raced to second place.
Only Selina Egle and Lara Kipp were faster than the German duo on Saturday (December 7th, 2024). The Austrians made ice-cold use of their home bonus and triumphed with two picture-perfect runs on the converted track in Innsbruck-Igls, where the changing rooms for women were forgotten.
Although Degenhardt/Rosenthal hardly made any mistakes in the second run, they were unable to attack the victory and, as in the opener, ended up in second place – 0.351 seconds behind the hosts. Latvians Anda Upite and Zane Kaluma sledded to third place.
Eitberger pays taxes
After having bad luck with a fall at the start of the World Cup, Dajana Eitberger experienced another disappointment with her new partner Magdalena Matschina. At half time the duo was still on track for a podium finish, but the second run went completely wrong. After many mistakes, the duo was passed through and had to settle for sixth place.
“I still have a lot to live up to. It’s not a sprint, but a marathon”said Eitberger in the “Sportschau”. Matschina, who is only 19 years old, added: “The first run was good, but we messed it up a bit in the second.”
Last season, Eitberger, who won Olympic silver in the individual event in 2018, raced down the ice track with Saskia Schirmer. The duo won gold in the team relay at the home World Championships in Altenberg and also celebrated a World Cup victory in Oberhof in February. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old decided to change. The big goal for the 19-year-old Matschina is to qualify for the 2026 Olympic Games.
Double seater and women’s single seater follows
During the course of the day the decision will be made in the men’s doubles and women’s singles.