(es/ck) - The kick off for the natural track season is now only days away. In less than a week a reality check on the track will show the athletes how good or bad their preparation for the season actually was. Austria’s Michael Scheikl has put a lot of effort in his preparation: “Summer luge already counts towards the winter preparation for me. I use the same equipment in summer as on the track in winter. Movement sequences and racing atmosphere are the same. And a curve remains a curve …” Scheikl adds with a wink. He emphasizes on body tension, endurance and coordination. Muscle strength training is also a part of his schedule, but “I have to maintain my flexibility as well”, Scheikl knows. In preparation of the upcoming season he spent about twelve hours per week for practice. This worked well for him next to going to school in the evenings. “With school everything is fine. It will be a little more stressful in January when semester finals collide with race days. But I’m sure, I’ll manage somehow”, Scheikl looks positively towards the beginning of the new season.