Laura Deas says it’s a dream start to the season after she claimed a career-first World Cup gold with victory in Altenberg.
Deas stepped seamlessly into the void left by Lizzy Yarnold after the Olympic champion announced she would take a year-long break from skeleton before the start of the season.
And she showed her class with a combined time of 1:57.87 leaving her standing atop the podium at the end of the competition, Germany’s Tina Hermann and Jacqueline Loelling second and third respectively.
Deas’ first run left her in second after she clocked 59.28 to leave her behind Hermann who held a 0.07 second advantage.
But a stellar run of 58.56 meant she finished with a bang and bumped the German into second – Loelling third after both runs.
“It’s a dream start! Last year was a breakthrough season for me and I’ve been saying all summer that I just want to kick on and keep improving,” said Deas.
“The feeling of standing on the podium twice last season was something special but to be on top of it this time takes things to another level.
“It’s another step forward and it’s a big confidence boost going forward for the rest of the year. I’ve worked so hard with the rest of the squad and the coaching staff over the summer and to see it all come together on the first race of the season is just brilliant.
“It was pretty nerve-racking waiting for the leader from the first run to finish and it was an amazing feeling when I saw the clock. Winning a race at the top level for my country is something I’ve dreamt about for a long time and I can’t stop smiling!” Sportsbeat 2015