Skeleton Success for McGrandle

Rose McGrandle produced an excellent performance win Skeleton's first Intercontinental Cup race of the season in Lillehammer, Norway, ...

The 27 year-old from Milton Keynes broke the track record on her first run, finishing in a time of 53.93. McGrandle completed her second run in 54.22 to finish with an overall time of 1:48.15, sealing victory by 0.22 seconds.

McGrandle's teammate, Donna Creighton, returned to racing with an 11-place finish in 1:50.47 just two weeks after illness had ruled her out of  British Skeleton's world cup selection races in Winterberg.

McGrandle spoke after her victory, saying: “It was great to win the 1st ICC race of the season today - and to put in a new track record on my first run made it extra special. I'm now really looking forward to the next round of races in Konigssee!”

Ed Smith and David Swift both secured top 10 finishes in the men's event, with Smith finishing 5th after two consistent runs. Swift finished in eighth after his second run of 53.63 propelled him into the top 10.

Smith was also pleased with a solid start to his season: “After a good week of training, those were two solid runs today, so I'm happy with consistency. A good start to the season”.

ICC Coach, Chris Type, also commented on the event, saying: “Today's races were a very strong start to the season, particularly Rose's dominant performance. Overall, a good platform to move forward with over the next few races”.

GB's Europa Cup squad were also in action for their second race of the week in Lillehammer. Kenny Howard followed up a strong performance yesterday, when he came second, to secure consecutive podium finishes as he took third place today.

Following his final heat, Howard said: “It's been a good start to the international season, but it's a long road ahead and there are still improvements to be made”.

Howard's teammates Jeremy Rice, Jack Thomas and James Howard also put performed well today finishing in 5th, 7th and 8th respectively. All four men secured top 10 finishes in both races in Norway.

Afterwards, Rice said: “I'm pleased to have improved on yesterday's performances with two consistent runs. Hopefully we can get great results from Konigssee next week too”.

Europa Cup coach, Patrick Shannon, was also pleased with the squad's week, saying: “It's been a great week here in Lillehammer with all four boys finishing both races in the top 10. All of my targets for them have been achieved and the team is in a good position going forward”.

RESULTS - INTERCONTINENTAL & EUROPA CUP, LILLEHAMMER, NORWAY

INTERCONTINENTAL CUP

WOMEN

MEN

EUROPA CUP