Ivanova on song again in Sigulda

The 24-year-old Russian posted times of 41.840 and 41.794 to total 1:23.634 and finish 0.097 clear of Huefner, at the same track where she claimed World Championship silver in 2015 as well as European silver the year before.

Ivanova also won her only European title at the track back in 2010, and the rest of the field could not get anywhere near her with third-placed Geisenberger 0.132 back and home favourite Eliza Cauce almost half a second off the pace in fourth.

The result closed the gap at the top of the World Cup standings between Geisenberger and America’s Summer Britcher, who was off the pace all day and finished more than a second behind in 11th – her worst result of the season.

Britcher now leads the German by 34 points with 529 in total after seven rounds, with US teammate Erin Hamlin third.

Meanwhile Ivanova stays in fifth overall but made up 50 points on Dajana Eitberger ahead of her.

Sportsbeat 2016