Equipment Development, new Athletic trainer and Comeback Wolfi Kindl after Pfeiffer's glandular fever –
Austria’s national team in preparation for the season

Wien (ÖRV-FIL/01 Nov 2024) The Austrian team won four gold medals at the 2024 World Championships in Altenberg (GER). In the men's doubles, there was even a sensational one-two victory with surprise World Champions Juri Gatt and Riccardo Schöpf ahead of their compatriots Thomas Steu and Wolfgang Kindl. With seven World Championship medals in six competitions, the lugers from Tyrol and Vorarlberg were at the top of the medal table. They overtook the successful team from Germany in the Olympic luge disciplines. Just one year before in Oberhof, the German lugers took eight out of nine possible World Championship titles.

Shortly before the new season, we spoke to the Austrian head coach Christian Eigentler.

Mr. Eigentler, how did the summer preparations for the new season go?

Christian Eigentler: “The national team rolled up their sleeves again at Easter and spent the summer working hard on physical training. The strength and specific training was completed in blocks until September, with regular tests documenting the status quo and guiding further development.”

When did you start training on the ice again?

Christian Eigentler: “We were on the ice for the first time this season at the beginning of October in Lillehammer. Everyone was eager to get back on the track, including the coaches. We traditionally have a very long summer, so we are especially happy when the sledding starts again.”

What changes have there been in your team?

Christian Eigentler: “We were able to hire Lukas Schlierenzauer as a new start and athletic trainer for the national team. He was a luge athlete himself, most recently worked as a head coach in the junior sector and has integrated very well into the team. The test results from the pre-season test showed that we have taken an important step in terms of the athletic performance.”

The name Schlierenzauer makes you sit up and take notice. What can you tell us about the new athletic coach?

Christian Eigentler: “Lukas Schlierenzauer is the younger brother of former ski jumper Gregor Schlierenzauer and nephew of our president Markus Prock. As I said, he has been part of the red-white-red luge family since he was a child, likes our sport and knows its challenges. Lukas is 27 years old and comes from the Stubai Valley in Tyrol.”

Only Wolfgang Kindl, one of Austria's top lugers, both in singles and doubles, had to withdraw due to illness for the first runs on ice because he has glandular fever. How is he doing? When will he be able to rejoin the team?

Christian Eigentler: “It will take some time, but at least he is on the mend again. Wolfgang hasn't trained since mid-September and has lost four kilograms of body weight, some of it muscle mass. He has now started a light training program again and is slowly feeling his way back. If everything continues to go according to plan, he could return to the ice track at the end of October. It is important that he is fully fit again to be able to cope with the whole thing. He knows himself that he mustn't rush anything now.”

Have there been any changes to the athletes compared to last season?

Christian Eigentler: ”Dorothea Schwarz, who made her World Cup debut in Sigulda in March, is strengthening the women's single. In the men's event, Noah Kallan and Fabio Zauser have completed the entire pre-season training with the senior national team. They are pushing for the fast lane, but they have tough competition ahead of them in the form of David and Nico Gleirscher, Jonas Müller and Wolfi Kindl.”

What are the next steps for your team?

Christian Eigentler: “In Lillehammer, the main focus was on getting back into the luge  swing. After that, we started a comprehensive series of tests that we want to exhaust on several tracks by the start of the season. The further development of the equipment  is an absolutely crucial factor. We have tested a lot in the wind tunnel at the University of Graz in spring and fall and are trying out a few things again, especially in the area of the pods. The schedule remains tight, I hope the weather plays along and we can complete our program.”

Thank you very much, Christian Eigentler!

Photos: ÖRV