Nico Gleirscher was among Austrian luge athletes who took part in a test week at Le Plagne ©FIL

Austria’s high-achieving luge squad has rounded off its season with an intensive test week in the French resort of La Plagne to generate data which will assist competiveness when the new season starts in October.

Austria won eight World Championship medals this season, earning 14 victories and a total of 37 podium places in the International Luge Federation (FIL) World Cup.

Matching that record will be tough next season, but the collected information, and data from tests in the wind tunnel, will now be used for material development and sled construction.

Training is due to resume after Easter in Innsbruck and the programme will involve trips to Lake Garda and Lanzarote.

An intensive training week in La Plagne has produced fruitful data for the Austrian team as they prepare for next season ©FIL
An intensive training week in La Plagne has produced fruitful data for the Austrian team as they prepare for next season ©FIL

"In addition to the luge thrill of having to work out a new track, the material tests were clearly in the spotlight in La Plagne," Austria's head coach Christian Eigentler said.

"It was important to find out which details we could develop further and how, in order to be able to design the coming months as structurally and effectively as possible.

"The conditions on site were perfect, the mood was very positive, and now we are consciously taking a rest.

"After Easter, we will start preparing for the coming season.

"As far as the World Cup calendar for 2023-2024 is concerned, we would like to see fewer double events and more internationality.

“We will definitely still seek talks with those responsible on the part of the FIL here."

Christian Eigentler, head coach of the Austrian luge team, in discussion with Selina Egle during the recent team test week at La Plagne ©FIL
Christian Eigentler, head coach of the Austrian luge team, in discussion with Selina Egle during the recent team test week at La Plagne ©FIL

The 20-year-old Selina Egle, winner of women’s doubles gold this year in the sprint World Cup, said:  "In the two weeks until the official start of training we will do our individual programme.

"At the same time we have to collect energy to be fit for the summer training.

"We definitely have to improve at the start, especially in the athletic area there is a lot of work waiting for us."

Nico Gleirscher, 26, winner of the sprint world title in 2021, added: "This was also my first time in La Plagne, but by now I have enough experience to quickly find my way around a new track.

"We first did some runner and suspension tests, then tried a new pot, things have definitely moved on.

"Now it's a matter of finding a little distance and mentally reviewing the season, in two weeks it already starts again."