Eggert and Benecken strengthen hold on World Cup lead

Eggert and Benecken were in fine form, bettering the Sigulda artificial ice track record previously held by Austria's two-time Olympic champions Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger, with a time of 41.628 seconds on their first run.

They then followed that up with 41.485 seconds on their second attempt to clinch their 22nd individual victory ahead of Latvians Oskars Gudramovics and Peteris Kalnins in second and Italians Ludwig Rieder and Patrick Rastner in third.

Eggert said: "The conditions were completely different from training. Even strong doubles pairings like the local Sics brothers were caught out.

"Our hearts were really pounding at the start. We are mega happy to come away from Sigulda with a win."

After eight of 12 events, three-time World Championship silver medallists Eggert and Benecken sit on 755 points in the World Cup standings, a comfortable 152 points ahead of their rivals.

Olympic champions Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt are second on 603 points, but suffered a disappointing day on Saturday as a snapped starting belt, suffered on their second run, saw them settle for tenth place in the Baltic state.

The World Cup will take a break next weekend ahead of the 47th World Championships in Innsbruck, from January 27-29.

Sportsbeat 2017