The German world champion steered his four-man bob team, consisting of Kevin Korona, Alexander Rödiger and Ben Heber, to victory in 1min 37.72sec, beating compatriots Nico Walther, Andreas Bredau, Marko Hübenbecker and Christian Poser by more than 0.02 seconds.

The Latvian quartet of Oskars Melbārdis, Daumants Dreiškens, Arvis Vilkaste and Jānis Strenga, who secured silver at the Sochi 2014 Olympics, finished a further 0.12 seconds behind in third.

"That was really exciting," Arndt said after his win.

"A shame for Francesco [Friedrich] that it was not enough for his third victory.

"But that is what makes a race fun."

A disappointing second run saw Francesco Friedrich drop out of second place in Königssee ©Getty Images


Ardnt's four-man team were third coming into the final run, sitting behind Walther and fellow German pilot Francesco Friedrich, with just 0.02 splitting the top three.

A final run of 48.92 was enough for the double European champion to snatch the win from under the nose of his team mate, while a final run time of 49.18 saw Friedrich's team drop behind Melbārdis and co in third.

"Our start times were good but the two runs were not; there were lots of little mistakes," said Melbārdis.

"And that made all the difference in the end.

"But I am very happy with my first medal in Königssee."

The results mean that Melbārdis increases his lead atop the World Cup standings as he moves on to 835 points after four of eight events.

Alexander Kasjanov of Russia, who finished sixth in Königssee, sits second on 730 points, ahead of Friedrich on 690.

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