Anton Nemov led a Russian podium sweep in the men's speed event at the season-opening UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup in Changchun ©UIAA/Twitter

Russia won two of the four gold medals up for grabs at the season-opening International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Ice Climbing World Cup in Changchun.

Last season's overall champion Anton Nemov led a Russian podium sweep in the men's speed event at the Chinese city's Lianhua Mountain Ecotourism Resort.

He clocked a time of 14.59sec in the final, beating Nikita Glazyrin by a margin of 1.36 seconds.

Nikolai Kuzovlev defeated Mongolia's Kherlen Nyamdoo in the small final to take the bronze medal.

Russia also dominated the women's speed competition, which saw Valeriia Bogdan overcome Maria Tolokonina in the final with a time of 20.58 to her compatriot's 22.66.

Alena Vlasova claimed victory over Ekaterina Timokhina in an all-Russian small final to round off the podium.

In the men's lead event, France's Louna Ladevant came out on top ahead of Iran's Mohammadreza Safdarian Korouyeh and South Korea's Park Hee Yong.

South Korea's Shin Woonseon triumphed in the women's lead competition, with Tolokonina second and France's Marion Thomas third.

Around 80 athletes from 16 countries and regions competed in Changchun.

The next UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup stop is due to take place in Cheongsong in South Korea from Friday to Sunday (January 10 to 12).