Kimberley Bos second ahead of World Champion Hermann and World Cup leader Flock
Innsbruck (RWH) European Skeleton Champion Elena Nikitina from Russia has won the third race of the BMW IBSF World Cup 2020/2021. Due to strong gusts of wind that caused snowdrifts in the track, the jury had cancelled the first run in Innsbruck due to irregular conditions. In the second run, Elena Nikitina scored a 0.28 second lead over Kimberley Bos (NED) in second place. For the Dutch athlete it was the third podium place in the third race of the season. In November, the 27-year-old already finished second and third in Sigulda (LAT).
Third place was awarded twice in Innsbruck: World Champion Tina Hermann (GER) and World Cup leader Janine Flock from Austria crossed the finish line with an equal running time. The two athletes were 0.45 seconds behind the winner Nikitina.
The Italian Valentina Margaglio, third in the World Championships in skeleton team competition, celebrated her best result in the BMW IBSF World Cup so far in fifth place. The 27-year-old was 0.04 seconds behind a medal rank.
Elisabeth Maier from Canada celebrated her comeback in the World Cup in Innsbruck. The 26-year-old gave birth to her son in December 2019 and after a season break, she immediately made it back to the national team. The 2015 World Championships bronze medallist finished seventh in her first race since March 2019.
In the overall standings for the BMW IBSF World Cup, Janine Flock (AUT, 650 points), the winner of the two opening races in Sigulda, leads after three of eight scheduled races. Kimberley Bos (NED, 620) is second ahead of Elena Nikitina (RUS, 587).
For more detailed information including athlete profiles and World Cup results please visit ibsf.org. ©RWH2020
Photos: IBSF / Viesturs Lacis