Altenberg, Germany – Swiss bobsledder Sandro Michel’s condition has been declared stable following emergency surgery at the University Hospital Dresden, after a severe crash during the official World Cup bobsleigh training in Altenberg on February 13, 2024.

The accident occurred when the four-man bobsleigh, piloted by Michael Vogt, lost control and crashed. Michel, serving as the brakeman, was ejected from the sled and tragically run over as the bobsleigh slid uncontrollably back from the finish area. Michel sustained significant injuries to his hip and thigh, necessitating urgent surgical intervention. Additionally, chest injuries were reported, with further examinations planned to assess their extent.

Pilot Michael Vogt suffered a severe concussion and bruises in the incident, while pushers Dominik Hufschmid and Andreas Haas also received minor injuries. The Swiss team, deeply affected by the accident, is being closely monitored and supported by Swiss Sliding, the national governing body for the sport.

Swiss Sliding expressed its profound concern and extended wishes for a quick and complete recovery to all injured athletes. The federation has given the discretion to other Swiss teams at Altenberg to decide their participation in the remaining training sessions and the weekend’s races.

The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and Swiss Sliding are in close communication, both prioritizing the welfare of the athletes. An investigation into the cause of the crash at the Altenberg bobsled track is underway to prevent such incidents in the future.

The training in Altenberg is set to continue, and the World Cup races will proceed as scheduled, despite the shadow cast by this unfortunate event. The bobsleigh community stands together in hoping for the swift recovery of Sandro Michel and his teammates, reminding everyone of the inherent risks and bravery involved in this high-speed sport.

St. Moritz (RWH) Start record, track record, 4-man bobsleigh victory and lead in the overall  World Cup extended: The BMW IBSF World Cup in 4-man bobsleigh in St. Moritz (SUI)  could not have gone better for bobsleigh pilot Johannes Lochner (GER).  

At the Olympia Bobrun St. Moritz-Celerina, Lochner, Florian Bauer, Erec Bruckert and  Georg Fleischhauer set the best time of the season both at the start (4.98 seconds) and  on the track (1:04.28 minutes). The Olympic silver medallist thus celebrated his third win  of the season in the fifth 4-man bobsleigh World Cup in winter 2023/2024.  

Second place in St. Moritz went to Olympic and World Champion Francesco Friedrich  (GER, 0.10 seconds back) with Thorsten Margis, Candy Bauer and Alexander Schüller.  Third place went to 4-man bobsleigh World Championships silver medallist Emils Cipulis  (LAT) with Davis Springis, Lauris Kaufmanis and Krists Lindenblats (0.40 seconds back).  

The best 4-man bobsleigh team for the World Cup hosts from Switzerland was Michael  Vogt with Andrea Orsinger, Alain Knuser and Sandro Michel in fourth place. Their Swiss  team-mates, the crews of pilots Simon Friedli and Cedric Follador, finished fifth and  seventh respectively.  

In the overall standings for the BMW IBSF World Cup 2023/2024, Johannes Lochner (GER,  1095 points) extended his lead in the overall standings with his victory. Francesco Friedrich  (GER, 1070), defending World Cup champion and overall 4-man bobsleigh winner five  times in a row, is in second place. Ahead of of the final three races of the season, Latvia’s  Emils Cipulis ist third overall with 968 points. 

St. Moritz (RWH) Olympic Champion Laura Nolte (GER) is the 2-woman bobsleigh winner
at the BMW IBSF World Cup in St. Moritz (SUI). With push athlete Neele Schuten, Nolte
set the season’s best time in the second run at the Olympia Bobrun St. Moritz-Celerina
(1:08.00 minutes).

The duo thus relegated their team-mate Lisa Buckwitz (GER, 0.08
seconds behind), who had previously been in the lead, to second place. Lisa Buckwitz’s
push athlete in St. Moritz was Junior World Champion Lauryn Siebert for the first time.
Third place on her home track went to Switzerland’s Melanie Hasler with push athlete Mara
Morell (0.38 seconds back).

Margot Boch from France, the 2021 U23 World Champion, celebrated her best World Cup
result to date in St. Moritz with brakewoman Talia Solitude in fourth place. The top six was
completed by Australia’s Breeana Walker/Kiara Reddingius in fifth place and Kaysha
Love/Azaria Hill (USA) in sixth place.

World Champions Kim Kalicki/Leonie Fiebig (GER) set a start record (5.51 seconds) in the
first race run. However, pilot Kalicki suffered a muscle injury in her thigh and was only able
to take a few steps in the second run. The Kalicki/Fiebig duo finished in seventh place.
Laura Nolte (GER, 650 points) leads the overall standings for the BMW IBSF World Cup
2023/2024 after three of eight races so far. Lisa Buckwitz (GER, 611 points) is second
overall ahead of Kim Kalicki (GER, 588).

Sigulda, December 17, 2023 – The Europe Cup Bobsleigh competition in Sigulda concluded with a spectacular victory for Belgium in the 2-woman bobsleigh event. Belgian duo Kelly Van Petegem and Jiënity De Kler clinched the top spot with a combined time of 1:44.73, demonstrating remarkable skill and teamwork.

The competition was fiercely contested, with German team Diana Filipszki and Marijana Herrmann finishing second with a total time of 1:45.31. Their performance was characterized by consistent and precise runs, contributing to an exhilarating contest.

The third position was secured by another German team, Charlotte Candrix and Lena Brunnhuber, who completed the event with a total time of 1:45.54. Their performance underscored Germany’s strong presence in the sport.

Other teams, including Loren Djolo and Marjolein Bolten of the Netherlands, and Robin Post and Jaybre Wau, also from the Netherlands, showcased their skills, adding to the competition’s high level.

The 2-woman bobsleigh event in Sigulda was a testament to the athletes’ speed, athleticism, and strategic skill. The Sigulda track, known for its complexity and demanding nature, provided a challenging backdrop for the competition.

Sigulda, December 17, 2023 – The Europe Cup Bobsleigh competition in Sigulda concluded today, marking a spectacular finish to a riveting series of races. German bobsledder Alexander Czudaj, alongside his teammate Jorn Wenzel, emerged victorious in the 2-man bobsleigh event, displaying exceptional skill and teamwork.

The competition was intense and closely contested, with the German team of Czudaj and Wenzel finishing with a combined total time of 1:40.53. Their performance was characterized by rapid starts and seamless navigation through the Sigulda track’s challenging turns.

The victory was hard-fought, with fellow German competitors Hans Peter Hannighofer and Marcel Kornhardt finishing a close second with a total time of 1:40.58. Their performance was marked by consistency and precision, making for an exciting and competitive race.

Securing the third spot was the German duo of Nico Semmler and Felix Dahms, who completed the event with a total time of 1:40.64. Their performance underscored the depth of talent in the German bobsleigh team.

The event also saw strong performances from other competitors. Laurin Zern and Alexander Schaller of Germany, Timo Rohner and Mathieu Hersperger of Switzerland, and John Stanbridge and Alexander Cartagena of Great Britain, all showcased their skills, contributing to the high level of competition.

The Europe Cup Bobsleigh in Sigulda was a true testament to the skill and precision required in bobsleigh racing. The athletes’ performances were a demonstration of high-speed athleticism and strategic navigation, captivating the audience with every turn and twist of the track.

The competition in Sigulda sets an exciting tone for the rest of the bobsleigh season, with athletes and fans alike looking forward to more thrilling action in the upcoming events. The success of the event also highlights the growing popularity and competitive nature of bobsleigh as a winter sport.

Sigulda, December 17, 2023 – The Para Sport World Cup Bobsleigh event in Sigulda concluded today with Latvian athlete Arturs Klots clinching a stunning victory. The competition, characterized by intense runs and strategic maneuvering, saw athletes from various nations vying for the top spot on a challenging course.

Klots, representing Latvia, showcased exceptional skill and determination, leading the pack with a total time of 1:28.45. His performance was marked by smooth transitions and precise control, which proved pivotal in navigating the Sigulda track’s notorious curves and turns.

Close on Klots’ heels was British athlete Corie Mapp, who finished with a total time of 1:28.61, just a fraction behind. Mapp’s run was notable for its consistency and speed, demonstrating the high level of competition at the event.

Austrian Hermann Ellmauer secured the third position with a total time of 1:28.85. Ellmauer’s performance was a blend of aggressive driving and tactical precision, earning him a spot on the podium.

Other notable performances included Christopher Stewart of Switzerland and Israel Blanco of Spain, who showcased their skills and sportsmanship, contributing to the event’s competitive spirit.

The Para Sport World Cup in Sigulda was not just a display of athletic prowess but also a celebration of resilience and determination. Athletes from various backgrounds, each with their unique stories and challenges, came together to compete at the highest level of the sport.

The International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation’s successful organization of the event underscored its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in sports. The competition in Sigulda sets an exciting precedent for the upcoming season, with athletes and fans looking forward to more thrilling bobsleigh action.