In biathlon, the chances of a medal at the Olympics are estimated to be lower than in previous years. When it comes to tobogganing, however, the situation is better. A duo is in top form.
Test of nerves passed, two Olympic titles in their luggage: The German luge doubles Toni Eggert/Sascha Benecken secured the European title and victory in the overall World Cup in St. Moritz – and showed excellent form two weeks before the Winter Games in Beijing. The Thuringians won the most important race of the season on Saturday ahead of the Bavarian Olympic champions Tobias Wendl/Tobias Arlt.
On the only artificial ice track on the calendar, the two German flagship duos were separated by 0.113 seconds after two runs. Eggert/Benecken won their fourth European Championship title and the sixth crystal globe for the World Cup.
In both statistics, they are ahead of Wendl and Arlt (3/4) – but Bayern have always been ahead on the most important stage: Wendl/Arlt won Olympic gold in 2014 and 2018, Eggert/Benecken has only won Olympic bronze in 2018 so far Statistics. That should change at the games in Beijing.
The competition comes from Latvia
The experienced Latvians Andris and Juris Sics are considered to be the big competitors of the German doubles, the brothers also led the rankings in the overall World Cup until Saturday. In St. Moritz, however, it was only enough for fifth place, Eggert/Benecken were able to overtake them with their victory.
The Vice Junior World Champions Max Ewald/Jakob Jannusch from Thuringia also made their World Cup debut in Switzerland and finished 17th.