Germany's Johannes Lochner took a giant step towards clinching the overall four-man title as he claimed victory in the penultimate event of the season ©IBSF

Germany's Johannes Lochner took a giant step towards clinching the overall four-man title as he claimed victory in the penultimate event of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Cup season in St Moritz.

Lochner, along with Sebastian Mrowka, Joshua Bluhm and Christian Rasp, clocked a combined 2min 08.42sec to extend his lead at the summit of the leaderboard.

The reigning world champion led home a German one-two as the crew led by Francesco Friedrich, who clocked a track record of 1:04.15 in the second run, were 0.14 seconds adrift in second place.

The team, which also included Candy Bauer, Martin Grothkopp and Thorsten Margis, became the latest to set a record during the event in St Moritz, which is famed for its quick track. 

However, the blistering second run on the Swiss course was not enough for them to usurp their compatriots.

Johannes Lochner is on the brink of wrapping up the overall four-man title ©Getty Images
Johannes Lochner is on the brink of wrapping up the overall four-man title ©Getty Images

The Canadian quartet of Chris Spring, Bryan Barnett, Lascelles Brown and Neville Wright were third having finished their two runs in 2:08.95.

The result saw Lochner further extend his already commanding advantage on the overall standings.

The German is currently sitting pretty in top spot on 1,460 points going into the season finale in Königssee in Germany next weekend.

Friedrich remains some way adrift in second place as he has 1,292 points.

World Cup winners receive 225 points.

Justin Kripps of Canada, 16th in today's race alongside Alexander Kopacz, Joey Nemet and Ben Coakwell, is third on 1,252.

The IBSF World Cup season concludes with the final leg of the campaign in the German resort from Friday (January 19) to Sunday (January 21).