JACK Thomas has vowed to bounce back from a disappointing start to his World Cup campaign as he bids to earn a place at the Winter Olympics.

Preparations are well underway for the 2018 Games, which will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in February.

The 27-year-old Westhoughton-based slider expects to be part of a three-man British skeleton squad, but is taking nothing for granted after a below-par display at Lake Placid on Friday in the opening race of the World Cup season.

He failed to qualify for the second run, finishing in 28th place.

Team-mates Dom Parsons and Jerry Rice performed marginally better, qualifying for the second run before finishing 12th and 15th overall.

Thomas said: "We were out in Pyeongchang for a couple of weeks before the race and had a brutal four days of travelling from there to Lake Placid in New York.

"There was a 13-hour time difference too, so if was tough, but it was obviously the same for all of us.

"It was extra disappointing because I had a similar experience last year, when I failed to qualify for the second run at Lake Placid, and I felt I had learned my lessons.

"It's frustrating as I really think it could be a good track for me, but I bounced back last year and I am confident I can do the same this time round.

"I'm not treating this season any differently just because it is my first Olympic season.

"I have processes that are my main focus, these are the fundamentals that are going to get me to the Games.

"But despite the start to the season, it's such an incredible time for me.

"I'm living my dream, on the verge of competing for a medal at the Olympic Games. I'm just going to enjoy the ride and I am sure the results will come."