Germany's Friedrich leads 4-man bobsled worlds after 2 heats
IGLS, Austria (AP) Driver Francesco Friedrich of Germany led his team to the fastest time in both heats to top the opening-day standings in the four-man race of the bobsled world championships on Saturday.
After setting a track record of 50.61 seconds in the first heat, Friedrich and Candy Bauer, Gregor Bermbach, and Thorsten Margis extended their advantage to 0.27, with two more heats remaining on Sunday.
Friedrich teamed up with Margis last week to win the two-man competition.
In a close fight for second place, the next five teams were separated by just 0.06.
Nico Walther of Germany, who won silver last year, was second, and Alexander Kasjanov of Russia was another 0.01 behind in third.
Defending champion Maximilian Arndt of Germany was sixth, with 0.33 to make up.