Austria’s snowboard team has begun its preparations for the 2017-2018 season by undertaking an intense training camp focusing on endurance and stamina ©Snowboard Team Austria

Austria's snowboard team began their preparations for the 2017-2018 season by undertaking an intense cycling training camp focusing on endurance and stamina.

Put together by head coach Ingemar Walder, the camp’s programme saw the team follow the tracks of this year’s Giro d'Italia, one of cycling's Grand Tour races.

They crossed the 1,636 metres Kreuzberg Pass on their route from Austrian town Sillian to Italian commune Sexten.

Passing Padola and Dosoledo, the team pedalled back to Sillian on a 100 kilometres-long stage.

Additionally, all riders had to showcase their climbing skills by cresting the Oberstalleralm - an ascent with gradients of up to 17 degrees.

The Austrian snowboard stars also participated in downhill action at Kronplatz, where everyone entered the eight kilometres-long Herrensteig on mountain bikes.

The training camp concluded with a rafting tour hosted by Lienz-based company Center of Outdoor as well as gym exercises and a hiking tour of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites.

"We wanted to focus on sportive variety before we get back on snow at the end of August," Walder said.

"Courses like this one also help to build up team spirit.

"That's something you notice when you go for a rafting tour.

"Mountain biking improves the ability to react and helps to estimate the speed correctly.

"Two qualities which can decide on winning or losing next winter."

Andreas Prommegger was among those taking part in the training camp ©Getty Images
Andreas Prommegger was among those taking part in the training camp ©Getty Images

Among the Austrian snowboarders taking part was Daniela Ulbing, who won gold in the women’s parallel slalom at the 2017 International Ski Federation (FIS) Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in Sierra Nevada in Spain.

She crashed in her third and last downhill ride, bruising three ribs.

"I was pushing my limits with every single run I took, and finally pushed it too much," the 19-year-old said.

"But the injury isn't that bad at all.

"As soon as I'm pain-free again, I will be back to training."

Joining Ulbing on the camp were Claudia Riegler, Sabine Schoeffmann, Andreas Prommegger, Sebastian Kislinger, Fabian Obmann, Alexander Payer and Johann Stefaner.

Prommegger won two gold medals at the 2017 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships, topping the men’s parallel giant slalom and parallel slalom podiums. 

He finished ahead of compatriot Benjamin Karl in both events.