WINTERBERG: German bobsleigh legend Francesco Friedrich achieved a significant career milestone by clinching his 50th IBSF World Cup victory in the 2-man bobsleigh event in Winterberg, Germany. The triumph, marked by a record-setting performance, further established Friedrich’s dominance in the sport.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Friedrich, an Olympic champion, alongside his teammate Alexander Schuller, completed the first heat in a record-breaking 54.05 seconds. This outstanding performance led to a German sweep of the podium, with Adam Ammour and Benedikt Hertel securing second place, and Johannes Lochner and Joshua Tasche finishing third. Chinese teams, featuring Sun Kaizhi/Zhen Heng and Li Chunjian/Shi Yaolong, placed 12th and 15th, respectively.
In the women’s monobob event, Germany’s Lisa Buckwitz also set a new track record, finishing her second heat in 58.25 seconds to claim victory. Switzerland’s Melanie Hasler took the runner-up position, while Australia’s Breeana Walker secured third place.
China’s Ying Qing finished in 14th place. The IBSF event will continue with the 2-woman and 4-man races scheduled for Sunday.