Johannes Lochner finishes second at first Sigulda race, Michael Vogt third
Sigulda (RWH) Olympic and World Champion and World Cup title holder Francesco Friedrich (GER) kicked-off the BMW IBSF World Cup 2020/2021 with a victory in the 2-man bob. Pushed by Thorsten Margis, Friedrich set the fastest time in the second run to gain a 0.04 seconds lead ahead of rank two.
Johannes Lochner, who had never raced in Sigulda before in 29 2-man Bobsleigh World Cups, set a new track record (49.51 seconds) with Christian Rasp in the first run. In second run, however, the World Championship runner-up could not defend his narrow lead and ended up in second place.
Third place was secured by the Swiss 2-man bob with Michael Vogt and push athlete Sandro Michel (0.26 seconds behind).
The 2019 Junior European Champion Ralfs Berzins (LAT) with push athlete Arnis Bebriss ensured the best result of the three Latvian home teams with finishing fifth. The European Champions Oskars Kibermanis/Matiss Miknis came in sixth, 0.03 seconds behind.
Patrick Baumgartner, 2012 Youth Olympic Champion, celebrated the best World Cup result of his career, finishing in seventh place with Lorenzo Bilotti.
After the first race, Francesco Friedrich (GER 225) leads the overall BMW IBSF World Cup 2020/2021 ranking, followed by Johannes Lochner (GER, 210) and Michael Vogt (SUI, 200).
For more detailed information including athlete profiles, World Cup results and the ranking please visit ibsf.org. ©RWH2020
Photos: IBSF / Viesturs Lacis
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