Lochner leading the way at halfway stage of bobsleigh World Champs

The German pilot and his brakeman crew of Matthias Kagerhuber, Joshua Bluhm and Christian Rasp lead by 0.03 seconds after two of four runs, with European champion Lochner setting a new track record of 48.26s in the first heat.

The quartet of pilot Francesco Friedrich and brakemen Candy Bauer, Martin Grothkopp and Thorsten Margis, also of Germany, currently sit in second before Sunday's final day.

Defending champion Oskars Melbardis, with Daumants Dreiskans, Arvis Vilkaste and Janis Strenga, sit third, 0.10s back, having set a new start record (4.73s).

Lochner said: "Our start time in the second run was even better than in the first heat.

"We are on top again regarding this but on the track we can be better.

"We will find out how to eliminate the errors from now until tomorrow." Melbardis added: "We had really good start times, the boys did an awesome job.

"Now we will prepare the sled for the final day and try to get enough sleep." Sportsbeat 2017