German double success: Max Langenhan ahead of Felix Loch

Altenberg (FIL/11 Jan 2025) Max Langenhan and Felix Loch made the most of their home advantage at the EBERSPAECHER Luge World Cup in Altenberg. As at the World Championships last season, Langenhan was unbeatable. In 1:48.210 minutes, the 25-year-old was 0.230 seconds faster than team-mate Felix Loch. The three-time Olympic champion congratulated the winner Langenhan on his 16th World Cup success and gave him a hug. Nevertheless, Langenhan was annoyed: “I didn't slide well, I already had problems twice at the start.” But there was a reason why he touched the boards twice. In December, during a training run in Altenberg, he “smashed his right foot” in curve 13, as he explained. As soon as he's on the sled, he can use his feeling for sliding.

Alongside Langenhan and Loch, Dominik Fischnaller was also on the podium. “Things haven't gone so well this season yet, but I started the new year well with fourth place in Sigulda a week ago,” said the Italian, ”it can go on like this.” He was 0.399 seconds behind the winner Langenhan.

For the first time this season, no Austrian luger made it onto the podium. Latvian Kristers Aparjods followed in fourth place (0.579 seconds behind). Nico Gleirscher, who leads the overall World Cup standings, missed out on a place better than fifth, 0.810 seconds behind in the second run, when he came out of curve nine far too high and then touched the walls twice. With the eleventh-fastest time, he dropped a long way back after second place in the first run. Gins Berzins (Latvia) was the last driver with a gap of less than one second at 0.904 seconds.

Jonas Müller, who has since finished third in the overall World Cup, did not start at all. The 27-year-old Austrian does not feel safe in the Altenberg ice track. “The risk of injury on this track is simply too high for me,” said the reigning European champion, explaining his decision not to compete, ”especially as the season's highlights are still to come with the European and World Championships.