Johannes Lochner has won the last World Cup duel in the two-man bobsleigh against his long-time rival Francesco Friedrich. The athlete from Berchtesgaden took a total of 0.51 seconds off his long-time rival in two runs on his home track in Altenberg. The 35-year-old Lochner thus secured the overall victory in the two-man bobsleigh World Cup. He was only beaten by the record-breaking world champion from Pirna in Sigulda. It was his third major crystal globe in the small sled after 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
"This means a lot to me again. It will still be a tough nut to crack at the Olympics. Franz is totally hardened and has his cool," said Lochner, who put on a show of strength with push athlete Georg Fleischhauer. Friedrich, who is the same age and is aiming for his third Olympic gold double in a row in Cortina d'Ampezzo in February, will only decide after the Winter Games, in consultation with his family, whether he will continue his unique career.
