SALT LAKE CITY — Latvian Martins Dukurs has taken out first place in the opening leg of the 09/10 FIBT Skeleton World Cup.

Setting the fifth-fastest time in practice, saw Martins Dukurs take the ice fifth for today’s racing. The Latvian set a blistering time of 49.74 seconds in his first run, after producing a start that which was bettered by many in the field. However, the Latvian was quick to make up for the slow start, proving the quickest through the four intermediates.

Also looking promising after the first run was Martins’ brother Tomass who was the fourth-quickest down the Park City course.

With the fastest 20 first run times, going through to compete in a reverse field second run, Martins had the advantage of watching the rest of the field for first.

The course proved to have slowed significantly, with all riders averaging a second more on their second runs. Tomass in particular struggled, slipping down to eleventh spot. However his parents still had something to celebrate with Martins Dukurs producing a solid second run, to produce a second run time of  50.01 seconds, giving him a combined time of 1:39.75 which was bettered by none.

All eyes will now be on the Latvian whose performance has thrown him amongst the true contenders for Olympic glory in February. Next up for the Baltics is the Latvian two-man bobsled team on Friday.