Loch sets new track record in Calgary win

The two-time Olympic gold medallist stopped the clock in of 44.274 seconds – three tenths faster than the 15-year-old record set by Italy's Armin Zoeggeler of 44.516 seconds.

German Loch finished with a total time of 1:28.752, just 0.386 seconds ahead of second-placed Canadian Samuel Edney with Roman Repilov of Russia completing the podium.

Canadian Mitchel Malyk was fourth with a trio of Germans in Johannes Ludwig, Andi Langenhan and Ralf Palik completing the top seven.

Repilov was the overall winner of last season's Viessman World Cup but it is Loch who leads the way with 455 points ahead of World champion Wolfgang Kindl (279) of Austria – who finished eighth.

Loch, a five-time singles world champion, said: "I've always gone well here in Calgary. And I've always enjoyed winning too. Given the season I had last year, I've got to be happy with this.

"I'm getting back the feeling I need to drive well. And of course, it's great to beat the track record which had stood since 2002."

Meanwhile, home favourite Edney was delighted to put in a performance in front of the Canadian fans in Calgary.

He said: "I'm happy to be on the podium. It's extra special because it happened in front of my family and my friends in Calgary. And in my last race here.

"I focused on this race to help me feel happy and secure going into the main event of the season."

Sportsbeat 2017