A total of 13 sliders have been picked by the country which dominated their home International Luge Federation (FIL) World Championships in Königssee in January.

Germany finished top of the medals table with six golds in a total haul of 12, with second placed Switzerland only reaching the podium twice.

Germany also won every title available during the 2015-2016 FIL World Cup season and will be the nation to beat yet again when the new campaign begins.

Triple Olympic champion Felix Loch, the winner in Königssee and the defending World Cup champion, has been named alongside double world medallist Ralf Palik.

Andi Langenhan, a three-time world medallist and former European champion, also takes his place in a strong men's line-up.

In the women's squad, double Olympic champion Natalie Geisenberger, also the defending World Championship and World Cup winner, headlines the team.

She will be joined by European champion and Vancouver 2010 Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Hüfner, as well as debutante Julia Taublitz, winner of gold medals at both the Junior World Championships and the Under-23 World Championship.

World bronze medallist Dajana Eitberger will complete the women's line-up.

In doubles competition, Olympic, world, European and World Cup champions Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt will be expected to challenge again while compatriots and world silver medallists Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken are also a strong force.

Robin Geueke and David Gamm, who were fourth at the World Championships in Winterberg, have also been selected for the first time.