New Chapter for Team Bob: Margis Joins Lochner in a Gold Pursuit, Leaving Behind Friedrich-Topmann Duo
Rivalry intensifies: Friedrich-Topmann set to challenge for Olympic gold against competitor - Competitor Friedrich-Topmann aims for Olympic gold, facing potential adversaries
In a surprising turn of events, four-time Olympic bobsled champion Thorsten Margis is teaming up with German rival Johannes Lochner for a shot at the 2026 Winter Games gold, friends no more with long-term partner Francesco Friedrich. After a season's hiatus, the 35-year-old brake man is gearing up for the Winter Games anew, this time with Lochner's squad based in Berchtesgaden.
"We're not in Cortina d'Ampezzo to notch a medal, no way! Our aim is to bag the gold and claim the Olympic title – nothing else! And that's a realistic ambition because we can topple Franz," Margis declared to the German Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (BSD).
Unquestionably, his mental fortitude is pegged as the ace in the hole against the renowned pilot from Saxony, Friedrich. "My matches with Hansi were always tight, and the run-to-run start times often slowed down instead of picking up speed. Those issues need to be ironed out," Margis asserted, relying on Lochner's driving prowess: "Johnny already put the heat on Me and Franz in 2022's Beijing Games, he was consistently fast and solid."
Margis vies for gold in both disciplines
Contrary to the meticulous perfectionism of record world champion Friedrich, who agonizes over every detail multiple times, Lochner leans on enjoyment and the thrill of driving. "If you're pursuing this project – and that needs to be clear in every member's head – then we want to win the gold in both disciplines," Margis proclaimed, intending to support Lochner's regular breakman in the two-man bobsleigh, Georg Fleischhauer.
Interestingly, the duo emerged victorious in the small sled at the 2023 World Championships in St. Moritz, against Friedrich. "My personal mission now is to climb aboard and feel spot-on, especially for the four-man bobsleigh, where I'll be up against Bauer, Bruckert, and Wenzel," Margis admitted.
- Olympic
- Francesco Friedrich
- Johannes Lochner
- Berchtesgaden
- St. Moritz
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a new type of electronic data-processing system that could potentially improve the speed and performance of Thorsten Margis's Olympic-winning bobsled team based in Berchtesgaden. Despite their focus on the 2026 Winter Games, Margis and his new teammate Johannes Lochner are aiming to win the gold in both disciplines, including the four-man bobsleigh, where they will face fierce competition from pilots like Francesco Friedrich.
