Newly engaged and big goals

"The further you advance, the more difficult it becomes to establish yourself," says Patrick Baumgartner. There is no question that the air at the top of bobsleighing is extremely thin, the level of performance is extreme. But that is exactly where Baumgartner wants to get to - or rather continue. After all, he made it into the top 6 times in the World Cup last season, 6 of them in the four-man bobsleigh. In the supreme discipline of bobsleighing, the Palatinate native also caused a World Cup sensation in mid-November 4 with second place in China.

Anyone who knows Baumgartner the athlete also knows that he can put things into perspective, wants to move forward step by step, and does not allow himself to be influenced by the hype. "We made a significant step forward last season and saw that we can keep up with the best," Baumgartner analyzes soberly. We need to build on that. This season, he primarily wants to "regularly finish in the top 6 through consistently good performances." But also more: "If we have a good day when everything is right and the material is right, then we can make it onto the podium," says the bobsled pilot from Issing. Patrick Baumgartner and Robert Mircea want to attack. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

He will be supported in the four-man bobsleigh by the proven team of Robert Mircea, Eric Fantazzini and Lorenzo Bilotti. Baumgartner will normally start in the two-man bobsleigh with pusher Mircea, but depending on form, a swap is also possible. The World Cup starts in Altenberg at the beginning of December. A highlight at the end of the season will be the World Championships in Lake Placid. Baumgartner also showed there in the four-man bobsleigh at the World Cup final last season that he can compete at the top.

A finale that became a farce As a reminder: Baumgartner and Co. were in second place after an outstanding second run – before the last three bobsleds started – behind the Canadian quartet with pilot Austin Taylor. However, the organizers had to contend with minor track problems, which became more serious after a fall and the race was canceled. The "Azzurri" were classified as 2th, as they had held this position after the first run. The athletes showed incomprehension, saying that the fall was not the decisive factor in the cancellation. "Weak for the World Cup," complained Baumgartner. That has been forgotten, and now the Pusterer wants to start the new season well. He and his team got the finishing touches at training camps in Norway and Latvia, among other places. After the 2026 Olympics, Greta Passler and Patrick Baumgartner will get married. © Thumbnail

In the summer, Italy's number 1 bobsledder took it a little easier. He spent a lot of time in the mountains of South Tyrol with his partner Greta Passler. Hiking in the local countryside is the best way for him to switch off and recharge his batteries. In any case, there is also good news on his private life: he and Greta are now engaged. The wedding is planned for after the 2026 Winter Olympics - ideally with a medal around their necks, of course.

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Newly engaged and big goals

Patrick Baumgartner has big plans. The 30-year-old from Issing wants to establish himself at the top of bobsleighing. He also has very specific plans for his private life.

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