Nikitina breaks track record in triumph at World Cup

BySportsbeat

Updated 09/12/2018 at 13:30 GMT

European champion Elena Nikitina set a new track record as she won the first Skeleton World Cup of the season in Sigulda.

Elena Nikitina of Russia reacts after winning the second run of the women's skeleton event during the fifth of eight races within the 2017-2018 IBSF World Cup Bobsled and Skeleton series on December 15, 2017 at the Olympic Bobsleigh Run at Innsbruck/Igls

Image credit: Getty Images

The Russian finished her first run in 52.51 seconds, breaking the record at the course in Latvia, before clocking a total time of 1:45.12.

Canada's Elisabeth Maier had to settle for second as she finished 0.3 seconds back, while 2016 world champion Tina Hermann, from Germany, rounded off the podium a further 0.18 seconds behind.

World champion and defending overall World Cup champion Jacqueline Lölling finished fifth in the standings, behind Canada's Jane Channell in fourth.

Skeleton