The second best result went to another German driver, Johannes Lohner, who lost 0.30 seconds to his compatriot, while the crew of Austrian pilot Markus Treihl was 0.47 seconds behind and took third place after the first run.
Also in the second race, the crew of Friedrich was the fastest, spending one minute and 38.68 seconds on the track in the sum of two races. Lohner lost to his compatriot by 0.35 seconds, while Treihl lost 0.91 seconds and retained the third position.
In the second race,the Latvian crew had the sixth best finish time,but in total,losing 1.13 seconds, Kalenda‘s duo kept the fifth place in the competition of 19 crews.
Kalenda,who is currently the only Latvian pilot in the World Cup,was seventh in the first doubles competition of the season in Altenberg.
The winner was the German Lisa Bukwitz, who achieved the third and first best time in the races, spending a minute and 46.89 seconds on the track. She was 0.09 seconds ahead of compatriot Laura Nolte, while Australia’s Brie Walker lost 0.26 seconds to third.
The World Cup stage in Sigulda has been included in the bobsleigh and skeleton calendar for several years in a row,but the preliminary calendar for the next season does not include the competition on the Sigulda track.
The European Championship will take place from February 7 to 9 during the World Cup stage at the Norwegian track in Lillehammer, while the World Championship will take place in the first half of March at the Lake Placid track in the USA.
What are the key factors contributing to the success of German pilots in bobsleigh competitions?
Interview with Dr. Klaus Schmidt: Insights on the Recent Bobsleigh Competitions
Editor, Time.news: Today, we are joined by Dr. Klaus schmidt, a renowned expert in winter sports and bobsleigh, to discuss the recent results from the competitions held in Sigulda. Thank you for being here, Dr. Schmidt.
Q1: Dr. Schmidt, we saw impressive performances from several German pilots in the latest bobsleigh races. What are your thoughts on thier dominance?
Dr. Schmidt: Thank you for having me. The recent races showcased the remarkable skill and talent of German pilots. Johannes Lohner and Markus Treihl delivered strong performances, finishing closely behind their compatriot, who took first place in both the initial run and the overall standings.This consistency reflects a well-developed training system in Germany, which focuses on both technique and mental resilience.
Q2: The Latvian pilot Kalenda managed to secure the fifth position. How does this performance impact the perception of Latvian bobsleigh on the international stage?
Dr. Schmidt: Kalenda’s performance is quite important, especially considering that he is the only Latvian pilot currently in the world Cup circuit. Finishing fifth among 19 crews indicates a solid showing against tougher competition. It brings increased visibility to Latvian bobsleigh and could inspire more athletes in Latvia to pursue the sport,fostering broader interest and support for bobsleigh in the region.
Q3: Lisa Bukwitz’s extraordinary time led her to victory in the women’s competition. How does her success reflect on the current state of women’s bobsleigh?
Dr.Schmidt: Lisa Bukwitz’s triumph, achieving both the third and first best times in the heats, is a testament to the growing competitiveness of women in bobsleigh. The slight margins, such as her win over Laura Nolte by just 0.09 seconds, highlight the intense competition at this level. Women’s bobsleigh is carving a niche for itself with more international attention, and athletes like Bukwitz are pivotal in propelling the sport forward.
Q4: Looking towards the future, the Sigulda track is reportedly not included in the preliminary calendar for next season. What implications does this have for the bobsleigh community?
Dr. Schmidt: The exclusion of Sigulda from the preliminary calendar is concerning for the bobsleigh community, especially given its established reputation. The venue not only provides a competitive atmosphere but also has historical importance. It could affect athlete preparation and possibly diminish the audience’s engagement if they have fewer events to look forward to. The community will need to rally support to ensure that such venues remain part of future circuits.
Q5: With major upcoming events like the European Championship and World Championship in sight, what advice would you give to athletes preparing for these competitions?
Dr. schmidt: Preparation is key, particularly transitioning from local events to international competitions like the European Championship in Lillehammer and the World Championship in Lake Placid. Athletes should focus on refining their technique during training while also prioritizing mental conditioning – overcoming the psychological barriers that accompany high-stakes races is critical. It’s significant for them to maintain physical health and build a supportive team, including coaches and psychologists, to optimize their performance.
Editor, Time.news: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt,for your valuable insights on recent bobsleigh competitions and the future of the sport. It’s been a pleasure discussing these developments with you.