Francesco Friedrich versus Johannes Lochner – the duel between the two best bobsledders is entering a new round. The ARD documentary “Tunnelblick” provides special insights into the fast-paced sport.
“We can drink a beer together but in the ice channel we are fierce rivals”says Johannes Lochner, world and European champion in two-man bobsleigh in 2023 and silver medalist in four-man and two-man bobsleigh at the Olympic Games in Beijing about his long-term rival Francesco Friedrich, the double Olympic champion from 2018 and 2022 in both disciplines.
The Bavarian Lochner managed to beat the Saxon Friedrich at major events for the first time in 2022. Now the duel is entering a new round and the ARD documentary “Tunnel vision – the duel Lochner against Friedrich” is up close and personal.
Crackling duel: Dominator vs. challenger
Francesco Friedrich against Johannes Lochner – top dog and dominator against challengers, experienced loner against young team player, one supported by the Bundeswehr, the other self-financed.
Germany is a united state when it comes to awarding medals at major events – since 2002, a German has always been an Olympic champion in the two-man bobsleigh, and there have already been ten FRG/GDR Olympic victories in the four-man event since the sport became Olympic in 1932 – but as you can see it from behind the scenes?
One country – no team: everyone fights for themselves
The two drivers win pretty much everything for their home country, but are they also a team? Not at all. Every pilot fights for himself and his team.
The ARD documentary uses new camera perspectives (speed drones, onboard, etc.) to take a look behind the scenes of Formula 1 this winter, with very personal moments, especially from the two model drivers. The focus: A duel of superlatives, at speeds of up to 150 km/h, centrifugal forces of up to 6 G and decisions made in milliseconds.
Bobsleighing – that’s also risk and pressure
The documentary also shows private moments of the pilots and deals with the preparation in the summer and the special responsibility that a bobsleigh pilot has for his team. One mistake and he risks a fall for himself and, above all, for his pushers.
The psychological pressure of this sport and the special challenges such as ice, runners and vehicles also become clear. Bobsleigh sport, a battle of materials. How much money and time do the teams invest? Who can find the best setup and who can read the ice best?
Who can displace the top dogs?
The documentary also looks at the young talent who could soon compete with the two top dogs. And how rocky is the road to the top in a sport that children and young people cannot do right from the start for physical reasons alone, not to mention the time and financial investment?