The European Championships in skeleton were due to be held in Königssee in Germany last weekend but heavy snowfall forced the postponement of the event.

Nikitina and Tretiakov, both of whom were caught up in the Russian doping crisis, currently occupy top spot on the men's and women's World Cup leaderboards.

Tretiakov won the Olympic title at Sochi 2014 but was initially stripped of his gold medal due to his implication in the scandal.

This decision was overturned following a successful appeal with 27 other Russians, including Nikitina, at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Nikitina, the defending champion, is among the favourites for the women's European crown but could face a stern challenge from Austrian Janine Flock, who is targeting a seventh European Championships medal.

Tretiakov will also fancy his chances of continental glory after picking up two victories on the IBSF World Cup circuit so far this season.

The German contingent arrives in Innsbruck having enjoyed a successful outing at the European Championships and World Cup in bobsleigh on home ice last week.

Olympic champions Mariama Jamanka and Francesco Friedrich, who won the respective two-man and two-woman events in Königssee, are also due to compete in the Austrian city.

They will be joined by Johannes Lochner, who claimed his fourth straight European title last weekend.

The event in Innsbruck begins with the European Championships in skeleton, which doubles as the World Cup, tomorrow.