Lobanow's greatest international success was winning the bronze medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid over 1000 meters. Over 1500 meters, he took eighth place in the same place. In the years before, he was able to achieve a few podium positions in all-around championships. At the all- around world championship in 1978 he was third over 500 meters, a year later also third over 1500 meters. At European Championships Lobanow finished third over 500 meters in 1977 , 1978 and 1979 he was second. Also in second place he finished the race over 1500 meters in 1979. Furthermore, Lobanov won the Soviet all-around championships in 1979 and the national sprint championships in 1978 and 1981.