CHANGCHUN, China, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia showed its strength in ice climbing by claimed two gold medals at the 2019-2020 UIAA ice climbing World Cup over the weekend in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province.

With last season's overall defending champion Nikolai Kuzovlev on the roster, the Russian team emerged the biggest winners at the World Cup season opener. Anton Nemov triumphed in the men's speed race and his compatriot Valeriia Bogdan won the women's speed race.

In the men's lead race, France's Louna Ladevant won the gold medal, and the women's lead title went to Shin Woonseon of South Korea.

Hosts China had entered 15 athletes at the three-day competition, with one each qualified for the men's and women's speed final. Han Cancan eventually ranked 6th in the women's speed races, marking the country's best ever result in a World Cup event.

"I have delivered to the best of my ability, but I lack experience compared to my international competitors," said the 17-year-old national champion.

Zhang Dingfeng, also representing China, finished eighth in the men's lead race. "I had problems with my mentality. I was too nervous in the competition. I need to improve my technique," he said.

Some 80 athletes from 16 countries and regions took part in the three-day event.

Changchun is the third different location to play host to the UIAA ice climbing event in China, following previous visits to Beijing and Hohhot. Enditem

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