WINTERBERG, Germany— Latvia’s two and four men bobsled teams have had a disappointing weekend in round 4 of the FIBT world cup.

Janis Minins was again piloting Latvia 1 in the two- man sled accompanied by Oskars Melbārdis. It was a new combination for Latvia 1 and did not produce the desired results as they finished well off the podium in 13th position, a full second behind eventual winners Switzerland 2.

It was even worse news for Latvia 2 who did not make the starting podium. At time of writing Baltic Reports has been unable ascertain the reasoning behind Latvia 2’s no-start. Minins has now slipped back to 12th in the race for world cup honors whilst regular pilot for Latvia 2 Edgars Maskalāns is sitting back in 24th spot.

Coming into Sunday’s action Minins was hoping that, true to recent form, he had left his best for the four-man action. Melbārdis was back with Minins, along with Intars Dambis and and Daumants Dreiskins. Minins got the improved result he was looking for but still only managed a seventh finish with a combined two-run  time of 151.38.

Mihails Arhipovs, Uģis Žaļims and Pāvels Tulubjevs were in the Latvia two-man sled to join pilot Maskalāns. Having failed to start on Saturday, things could only improve for Latvia 2, and improve they did finishing in a commendable 14th.

Minins result was enough to see him hold onto second spot in the World Cup standing behind American Steve Holcomb who has now developed a healthy lead over his opponents. Maskalāns is sitting just outside the top 10 is 12th position.