A replacement team relay event will take place in Sigulda ©Getty Images

An extra team relay race has been added to the International Luge Federation (FIL) World Cup event in Sigulda, the governing body have confirmed.

The announcement was made by the FIL sports director Maria Luise Rainer, before the competition taking place in the Latvian town on January 14 and 15.

It follows the cancellation of the team relay at the Whistler leg of the World Cup, where the delivery of sleds was delayed by weather conditions.

A heavy snowstorm in the Canadian prairies delayed vehicles transporting vital equipment for the event, after they left Lake Placid in New York.

Three races were held in one day, with only one run taking place in each of the events as part of a condensed schedule.

The team relay, however, did not take place.

The competition will take place before this year's World Championships in Innsbruck ©Getty Images
The competition will take place before this year's World Championships in Innsbruck ©Getty Images

Sigulda’s artificial track will now hold a replacement team relay.

It will take place just two weeks before the World Championships, which are due to take place in Innsbruck.

All seven of the disciplines which will be contested at the Championships will also be held at the World Cup in Latvia, with women’s, men’s, doubles and the team relay scheduled.

Sprint World Cup events for women, men and doubles will complete the programme in Sigulda.