Bree opened with a time of 54.56 seconds in the first heat, recording the second fastest time of the round, trailing 2022 Olympic champion Laura Nolte of Germany by a mere 0.01 seconds.

In the final run, Bree again posted the second fastest time in 54.58 seconds, giving her a combined time of 1:49.14 to equal American Kaysha Love. Nolte, the last competitor down the 1994 Olympic track, was unable to surpass Bree and Love, slipping 0.07 seconds behind in third place.

The Aussie Olympian now has 11 career Monobob World Cup podium finishes.

“Really happy to be able to secure my first win of the season after being so close a few times” the 32-year-old from Queensland said.

“I really love sliding here, I was feeling really good coming into this race, but I knew it would be a very competitive, race as always, so I just went out there and focused on pushing really fast and driving well and was able to come away with the win so very happy with that.

“Lillehammer is a special place for me, I came away with my first career bobsleigh medals in European Cup races in the 2018-19 season, and to also secure my second World Cup medal on this track after a silver last season, I really love the track and I enjoy sliding here.

“We are going into tomorrow’s two-woman race with the same expectations I had today, to push hard and put down two consistent drives, and see what the results are on the other side.”

Also in action for Australia was Sarah Blizzard in 22nd place. 

The win sees Bree move back into second place on the Monobob World Cup standings on 1371 points, trailing Lisa Buckwitz of Germany on 1437 points, with Nolte third.

Bree will be joined in the two-woman race tomorrow in Lillehammer by brakewoman Kiara Reddingius. 

The final Monobob World Cup race of the season is scheduled for the same track on the 15th of February.