By the end of the week many of the luge sliders were starting their runs from the highest point of the track – the Olympic start point.

"This is my second time in Sochi in 2012," said Zoggeler, the 2002 and 2006 Olympic champion.

"It's great to see so many lugers from all over the world to come together here for the first time.

"The track here is very pleasant and the food and accommodation are good.

"Moreover, it is a very beautiful place.

"There is also a high level of organisation.

"Just 10 minutes after landing at the airport we were taken by a bus, and in another 45 minutes we already arrived at the hotel."

A total of 138 athletes from 26 countries took part in training over the four days in air temperatures between 12-14C.

The maximum track speed reached was 123.9 kilometres per hour, and the minimum 59.23.

The average was 91.57.

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