St. Moritz (RWH) A noble gesture by the record-breaking World Champion: After winning his fifth World Championship title in 4-man bobsleigh in a row, Francesco Friedrich could have put the Martineau Trophy away in his trophy cabinet forever. That's what the IBSF rules for this cup say. But the four-time Olympic Champion waives this privilege and instead lets the Martineau Cup wander on.

"To ensure that this unique World Cup trophy continues to go to the title holder in 4-man bobsleigh, we are leaving it to the IBSF. It will now be given the new name Martineau Friedrich Trophy," Friedrich announced on his Facebook page after the title competitions in St. Moritz and his twelfth World Cup gold overall.

The founder of the trophy in 1930 was Hubert de Martineau (1891 - 1976), who was president of the St. Moritz Bobsleigh Club for 45 years.

Francesco Friedrich is the most successful bobsleigh pilot of all time with four Olympic gold medals and twelve World Championship titles.

Photos: IBSF / Viesturs Lacis