The demonstration of power by the tobogganists from the Alpine republic of Austria in the last World Cup races really annoyed the German lugers. At the home World Cup in Altenberg, Max Langenhan and Felix Loch turned the tables. In the doubles it was at least enough for the podium.
The double victory of Max Langenhan and Felix Loch on Saturday (January 11, 2025) was worth its weight in gold. After the recent criticism and frustration in the German toboggan team, the toboggan men provided moments of happiness. At the important home race in the Eastern Ore Mountains, the successful runners delivered with strong nerves.
Langenhan, who became world champion in Altenberg a year ago, won ahead of his teammate Loch. The 25-year-old Langenhan laid the foundation for victory in the first run: at 54.166 seconds, he was significantly faster than the competition.
In the final, the local hero, who had worked extra shifts in Altenberg to prepare for the World Cup, couldn’t be put off the road to success. Langenhan triumphed ahead of oldie Felix Loch (RC Berchtesgaden/+ 0.230 seconds).
Gleirscher loses his podium place
While the Germans celebrated the double victory, the Austrians came away empty-handed this time. Nico Gleirscher, recently a reliable winning driver, fell from second to fifth place on the demanding track in the Eastern Ore Mountains. In addition to Langenhan and Loch, the Italian Dominik Fischnelller made it to the winner’s podium.
Also strong: Timon Grancagnolo, who starts for ESV Lok Chemnitz, impressed in seventh place.
Austrian Duo cooks German doubles
Jessica Degenhardt and Cheyenne Rosenthal in Altenberg
The German doubles sledged not to victory, but at least to the podium. In the women’s doubles, Jessica Degenhardt and Cheyenne Rosenthal took second place behind Selina Egle and Lara Kipp (Austria) at the home game.
The duo from RRC Altenberg/SC Winterberg benefited from the fact that the Americans Chevonne Forgan and Sophie Kirkby made too many mistakes in the final and lost one place. “We are very happy to be back on the podium“, said Degenhardt, who was happy this time after last year’s medalless World Championships in Altenberg “two good runs” to have achieved the goal on ZDF.
Disappointment at Eitberger/Matschina
Dajana Eitberger and Magdalena Matschina (RC Ilmenau/SV Bad Feilnbach) struggled in the first round and had to bury all hopes of a top result in ninth place. In the end we finished sixth. Directly behind them, newcomers Elisa-Marie Storch/Pauline Patz (RT Suhl/RSV Schmalkalden) finished seventh to earn World Cup points.
Doubles men: Wendl/Arlt in second place
At the end, Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt contributed another top placing in the men’s doubles with second place. The Bayern Express only had to admit defeat to the Latvians Martins Bots and Roberts Plume. Yannick Müller and Armin Frauscher (Austria) came in third.
Toni Eggert, who made his comeback this season and is traveling with Florian Müller, was disappointed. The crew lost ground in the second run and had to let Hannes Orlamünder/Paul Gubitz (RRC Zella-Mehlis), who were quite happy with fifth place, overtake them.