Naseby (es) - “It’s just a little bit cold here”, says Patrick Pigneter (ITA) about his training camp in the middle of summer. Cold? Patrick Pigneter is currently staying in Naseby, a small town of about 100 citizens on the southern island of New Zealand. And it’s really wintery there – with morning temperatures of minus ten degrees. “It’s a pity; I haven’t seen any snow so far.” Apart from that, the South Tyrolean role model for natural track luge feels very comfortable on the southern hemisphere. “I wanted to get to know another country and I am delighted that we could work out the cooperation with the New Zealand Olympic Luge Association.” Pigneter started his training camp on June, 28th and teaches young talents: “This week we had 20 athletes aged between seven and 17. It was great. I worked together with Geoff Balme, president of the New Zealand Olympic Luge Association, and Guntis Rekis (LAT), a former artificial track luger”, Pigneter tells about the camp. Pigneter will also take part in the 1st Naseby Cup at the end of the camp. But there’s more to come: “There’s another camp planned for next week and there will be again about 20 athletes”, Pigneter is looking forward to continuing his job as trainer. The reigning European Champion spends his remaining free time with his preparations for the upcoming season: “Running, strength training, start training. Everything that is important.”