Australian bobsleigh pilot Astrid Loch-Wilkinson has driven to Australia’s first top 20 World Cup result, finishing in 19th place in Igls, Austria.

Debuting on World Cup, Loch-Wilkinson and brakeman Kylie Reed were competing in just their fourth official bobsleigh race, driving a new sled they had trialled only five times.

The pair finished 2.42 seconds behind gold medallists Sandra Prokoff and Berit Wiacker of Germany, in a field of 27 sleds.

In the men's event, Rob Calleja and Shane McKenzie finished in 32nd place, the gold medal going to Swiss driver Martin Annen.

Australia’s male skeleton athletes Urs Vescoli and Shaun Boyle also competed in World Cup in Igls, finishing midfield in 21st and 24th place.