LAKE PLACID, USA — Martins Dukurs and younger brother Tomass have had strong showings in the second round of the FIBT skeleton World Cup, finishing third and fourth respectively.

Following on from his victory in Salt Lake City a week ago, Martins’ third this week is enough to see him remain atop of the standings on 425 points going into the European leg of the World Cup in two weeks time.

The two Latvians were two of the quickest starters on the Lake Placid course, consistently setting the quickest times out of the gates. After the first run Martins found himself sitting in second place with a time of 55.1. However he was unable to improve on this time on his second run, with German Sandro Steilicke overtaking him for second spot.

Sitting in sixth after the first run, Tomass was much more successful on his second run, setting the third quickest time to move him up to fourth place.

These early signs are promising for the Latvians but it will now be a case of continuing this good form going into the Olympics.