Sam Edney Slides into Sixth at Luge World Cup in Igls
IGLS, Aut.—Canada’s Sam Edney matched his best-ever finish on a track in Europe after sliding into sixth spot at the Luge World Cup in Igls, Austria on Saturday.
The 29-year-old Calgarian shook off early-season rust after a disappointing season-opener last week in Norway to clock a two-run time of 1:41.200. Edney’s personal best finish on the World Cup is fifth, which he has posted three times including the 2013 World Championships – all coming on North American tracks.
“I’m pumped with today’s result. I knew Norway would be a tough start to the season, but this confirms that I’m still right there knocking on the podium door,” said Edney. “I understand this is the best finish by a Canadian male in Igls so that feels good. I’ve been close here before but something always went awry so it is great to be in the mix.”
Edney, who also has the nation’s best-ever Olympic finish for a Canadian male when he was seventh in 2010, climbed five spots in the standings after clocking the fourth fastest time in his second blast down the relatively flat Igls track.
“The sled was running amazing today. I slid confident all week and I felt super comfortable going into the race. I am looking forward to next week in Winterberg, and then getting back on home ice in Whistler. That is a big focus of mine for the first half of the season,” added Edney.
The Germans grabbed the top-two spots on the men’s podium. Felix Loch snagged the gold with a time of 1:40.878, while David Moller was second at 1:41.052. Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller slid to the bronze after stopping the clock at 1:41.102.
Meanwhile, after opening the season with a bronze medal, Canada’s Alex Gough dropped to seventh place in Austria. The 26-year-old Calgarian struggled to find her top form while posting a combined time of 1:20.700.
The Germans dominated the women’s race grabbing the top-four spots. Natalie Geisenberger celebrated the gold with a time of 1:20.135. Tatjana Hufner slid to the silver medal position on the podium at 1:20.167, while Anke Wischnewski completed the podium sweep with a time of 1:20.311.
Three other Canadians also suited up on Saturday. Calgary’s Mitchel Malyk placed 23rd (1:41.894) in his first men’s singles race of the year. Calgary’s Arianne Jones was 19th (1:20.960), while Kimberley McRae was 24th (1:21.323) in women’s action.
The Canucks will be back on the start line Sunday in Igls with the doubles race, followed by a team relay competition.
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COMPLETE RESULTS: www.fil-luge.org
Men’s Top-Five and Canadian Results:
1. Felix Loch, GER, 1:40.878; 2. David Moller, GER, 1:41.052; 3. Dominik Fischnaller, ITA, 1:41.102; 4. Chris Mazdzer, USA, 1:41.133; 5. Armin Zoggeler, ITA, 1:41.148;
Canadian Results:
6. Sam Edney, Calgary, 1:41.200; 23. Mitchel Malyk, Calgary, 1:41.894
Women’s Top-Five and Canadian Results:
1.Natalie Geisenberger, GER, 1:20.135; 2. Tatjana Hufner, GER, 1:20.167; 3. Anke Wischnewski, GER, 1:20.311; 4. Dajana Etberger, GER, 1:20.536; 5. Nina Reithmayer, AUT, 1:20.584.
Canadian Results:
7. Alex Gough, Calgary, 1:20.700; 19. Arianne Jones, Calgary, 1:20.960; 24. Kimberley McRae, Calgary, 1:21.323