Competition at the Russian resort, which hosted the 2019 Winter Universiade, is scheduled to run from tomorrow until Sunday (January 9).

It will include back-to-back races for men and women as athletes continue their preparations for the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.

World champion Charlotte Bankes of Britain comes into the event at the Russian venue as the overall leader on the women's World Cup standings.

Bankes has 209 points after recording one victory and a second-place result on this year's circuit.

She leads nearest challenger Michela Moioli of Italy, who won the individual event at her home World Cup in Cervinia, by 23 points.

Alessandro Haemmerle of Austria occupies top spot on the men's leaderboard as he aims for a fourth overall World Cup crown.

Haemmerle has 245 points, 79 clear of compatriot Jakob Dusek.

Men's and women's qualifying is due to take place tomorrow, with races planned for Saturday (January 8) and Sunday (January 9).