The German lugers Johannes Ludwig (Oberhof) and Felix Loch (Berchtesgaden) have confirmed their favorite roles one day before the Olympic race.
Overall World Cup winner Ludwig set the best time in the final training run in the Yanqing Sliding Center on Friday ahead of record world champion Loch. In the previous run Ludwig had also finished fourth directly before Loch.
“It’s time to start. I’m excited and confident,” said three-time Olympic champion Loch. Ludwig felt an increasing “tension and excitement. But that’s a good thing to sharpen the focus. If I’m not 100 percent in the matter, unexpected mistakes can happen. You always have to be on your guard,” said the Olympia -Third from Pyeongchang.
The example of Nico Gleirscher, for example, showed how easily and quickly time can be lost: The Austrian sprint world champion almost lost control of his sled in the final run in the upper section of the track and temporarily stood sideways.
On the very long 1583 m track, this meant a big loss of time, the co-favorite only finished 30th after third place in the first Friday practice session.
Max Langenhan within striking distance
The third German starter, Max Langenhan (Friedrichroda), was within striking distance of the top drivers as fifth and ninth of the two training runs on Friday.
In the battle for the medals, the first two of four races will take place on Saturday. After the two final heats, the first medals will be awarded in Yanqing on Sunday.