Loch, the four-time world singles champion who also won the last two Olympic titles, has proved virtually unbeatable on the Oberhof track over the years, and duly set another course record to extend his lead in the overall World Cup standings. 

The record-breaking second run contributed to a combined time of 1min 26.828secs and allowed him to overhaul compatriot Andi Langenhan, who finished an agonising 0.211 behind.

United States' Chris Mazdzer finished third, 0.638 back.

"The first run was no good, but the second run was so much the better," admitted Loch afterwards.

"It was a perfect day.

"My result makes me feel optimistic about the World Championships in Sigulda next month."

After seven of 12 events, Loch's 22nd World Cup victory stretched his overall lead in this season's standings to 155 points over Langenhan.

But if Loch's is Germany's outstanding star in the sport, then Wendl and Arlt are not far behind, as they edged Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken in another German 1-2 for a third successive World Cup victory.

Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt continued their superb form with another German victory ©Bongarts/Getty Images



The Sochi 2014 gold medal winning pair were fastest in the first run and then set a track record of 41.368 seconds in the second, finishing in a total time of 1:22.762.

But after Eggert and Benecken won the season's first four races, Wendl and Arlt still trail in the overall stakes, although they have now trimmed the deficit to just 55 points.

Action continues in Oberhof tomorrow with the women's individual and team relay events. 

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