Austrian Matthias Guggenberger has been named as the new coach for Latvian skeleton star Martins Dukurs and his brother Tomass ©IBSF

Austrian Matthias Guggenberger has been named as the new coach for Latvian skeleton star Martins Dukurs and his brother Tomass.

Guggenberger, a World Championships bronze medallist, was announced as the coach for the brothers by the Latvian Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.

The 34-year-old, who called time on his career in the sport at the end of the 2017-2018 season, will be tasked with guiding Martins and Tomass Dukurs during the new campaign.

Martins Dukurs, one of the most successful male skeleton athletes in history who has won six world titles but never Olympic gold, was previously coached by his father Dainis Dukurs.

He also has claimed 10 European Championships gold medals and has won the overall World Cup crown eight times.

Martins Dukurs has won six world titles in his career but Olympic gold remains elusive ©Getty Images
Martins Dukurs has won six world titles in his career but Olympic gold remains elusive ©Getty Images

The 34-year-old considered retirement after the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where he finished with the silver medal, before he reversed his decision and confirmed he would continue competing.

Tomass Dukurs, who is three years older than Martins, also has a World Championships medal to his name and has clinched a spot on the podium at four separate European Championships.

Guggenberger joins the Dukurs' team having worked with Austrians Janine Flock and Florian Auer, as well as Belgian Kim Meylemans.

His aim will be to coach Martins to an elusive Olympic gold medal at Beijing 2022.