What better way to mark your birthday than with a start record and World Cup victory. Bobsleigh pilot Justin Kripps of Canada has won the BMW IBSF World Cup race in Altenberg on his 31st birthday. This win marks the second career victory for the World Championship silver medallist and current leader in the overall World Cup standings. His first gold medal came in Königssee on 25 January 2014.
With his brakeman Alexander Kopacz, Kripps also broke the 14-year-old start record, setting a new best time of 5.11 seconds. The previous record for Altenberg was set by four-time Olympic Champion André Lange with Kevin Kuske (GER, 5.12 seconds) back in December 2003.
After the World Cup race's two heats, Kripps/Kopacz held a 0.09-second lead over the World Champion Francesco Friedrich with Martin Grothkopp (GER). Bronze medallists Kibermanis/Matiss Miknis (LAT) finished 0.51 seconds behind the winning duo.
Great Britain had two sleds in action Bradley Hall and Toby Olubi finished in 15th spot of a 22 strong field. Pairing Lamin Deen and Nicholas Gleeson were disqualified after run 2 for a technical rule infringement, their sled being ruled to be over the maximum weight permitted.
With his win in Altenberg, Justin Kripps (CAN, 1,239 points) has extended his lead to 148 points in the overall rankings for the BMW IBSF World Cup after the sixth of eight races. His team mate Chris Spring (CAN, 1,091), who was 12th in Altenberg, is second overall ahead of Francesco Friedrich (GER, 1,069).
The World Cup now moves onto the famous track in St Moritz for the final race in the Olympic Qualification series.
RacerReady will be reporting the results and views from the world cup races immediately the action finishes.
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