Germany's Julia Taubitz in striking distance of overall lead with big win at Königssee

Julia Taubitz of Germany got her fifth win of the women's World Cup luge season on Sunday, closing the gap between her and series leader Natalie Geisenberger in the overall women's standings to four points.

Geisenberger, also of Germany, finished second — her seventh silver medal in seven races this season. Madeleine Egle of Austria took third.

WATCH | Julia Taubitz captures 5th individual World Cup event of season:

Germany's Taubitz wins World Cup Luge event at Konigssee

4 years ago

Duration 2:28

Julia Taubitz captured her fifth individual World Cup Luge event of the season crossing the line with a two-run winning time of 1:41.402

Geisenberger now has 595 points on the season as she seeks an eighth overall title in nine years; she didn't compete last season after giving birth to her first child. Taubitz, last season's overall women's champion, has 591 points.

Emily Sweeney was the top U.S. finisher, placing 10th in her first World Cup of the season. USA Luge rejoined the international circuit last week after sitting out the first half of the season in response to the coronavirus pandemic and concerns about international travel.

Also for the U.S. women, Ashley Farquharson took 13th, Summer Britcher 15th and Brittney Arndt 16th.

Austria capped the day with a win in the team relay, followed by Germany and Russia. The U.S. team of Britcher and Jonny Gustafson and the doubles sled of Chris Mazdzer and Jayson Terdiman was sixth.

WATCH | Austria caps day with triumph in team relay:

Austria captures Team Relay World Cup Luge event at Konigssee

4 years ago

Duration 3:36

Austria won its first Team Relay World Cup luge event of the season Sunday in Konigssee, Germany crossing the line with a time of 2:42.729

While Canada's team of Carolyn Maxwell (women's singles), Reid Watts (men's singles) and doubles partners Tristan Walker and Justin Snith placed eighth with a combined time of 2:45.993.

WATCH | Canada secrures 1st top ten finish:

Canadian Luge Relay Team gets first top 10 of season

4 years ago

Duration 4:02

Canada placed eighth Sunday at the FIL Luge World Cup team relay event in Konigssee, Germany crossing the line with a time of 2:45.993