MICA McNeill and Newport’s Mica Moore claimed Great Britain’s best Women’s Bobsleigh World Cup result in almost nine years as they finished equal fifth in Whistler overnight.

The pair beat their previous best placing together of eighth set in both Whistler and Lake Placid last season, while McNeill bettered her previous highest results of seventh in Konigssee in 2016 and joint seventh in St Moritz in January of this year.

McNeill and Moore, who won Junior World Championship gold last season, sat third at the halfway mark after clocking 53.48 seconds off the back of a 5.25 start time on the fastest track on the circuit.

A second run time of 54.51 from a 5.30 start saw them miss out on the chance to hold on to the bronze medal position but it was good enough to ensure they gave Great Britain the country’s best women's result since Nicola Minichiello and Gillian Cooke finished third in Moritz in January 2009.

“I’m so happy with the result,” said Moore, who celebrated her 25th birthday on Thursday.

“To be able to improve our start time and position from last year is incredible.

“We’re so grateful for all the support the public have given us and for all the hard work and support from the coaching team and staff out here with us. Hopefully, we can continue to progress throughout the season.”

GB Bobsleigh Head Coach Lee Johnston said: “It's a fantastic result for Mica and Mica.

“To record their best World Cup result at the end of a tough training week and after a long time away from home is a huge boost.

“I know it will give them great confidence going into the week's break before Winterberg, which is the track where they won World Junior gold in January. It bodes well for the rest of the season.”