BERLIN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- German icon Francesco Friedrich claimed his 50th IBSF World Cup victory by winning the 2-man bobsleigh title in Winterberg, Germany on Saturday.

The Olympic champion finished the first heat in 54.05 seconds along with his teammate Alexander Schuller, setting a new track record.

Germany swept the podium as Adam Ammour and Benedikt Hertel won second place, while Johannes Lochner and Joshua Tasche finished third. Chinese duos Sun Kaizhi/Zhen Heng and Li Chunjian/Shi Yaolong ranked 12th and 15th respectively.

Lisa Buckwitz of Germany triumphed in the women's monobob with a new track record of 58.25 seconds in her second heat.

Switzerland's Melanie Hasler finished runner-up while Breeana Walker of Australia won third place. China's Ying Qing was 14th.

The 2-woman and 4-man races will take place on Sunday. ■