Lange claims Altenberg win as Hefti slumps to sixth

TRIPLE Olympic champion André Lange recorded his first World Cup win of the season for the two-man event in Altenberg.

OLYMPIC CHAMPION: Triple Olympic champion Andre Lange scores his first win of the season in the two-man bob at Altenberg (Getty Images)

The German struck his only gold at the same track last season and looked impressive on his return, taking victory in 1:49.81 minutes.

Teaming up with brakeman Kevin Kuske, the 36-year old was leading by 0.34 seconds after an impressive 54.80 secs first run but extended his advantage over silver medallist Thomas Florschuetz to 0.66 after his second.

Switzerland's world champion Ivo Rüeegg maintained his record of reaching the podium at every World Cup of the season, finishing 0.90 behind Lange to claim bronze.

Defending World Cup champion Beat Hefti looked out of sorts and after slumping to sixth, lost his grip on this year's standings despite having won three of the five events this season.

Instead, Rüeegg takes over at the top on 1010 with Hefti second on 971 and Germany's Karl Angerer third on 914.