The preparation for the upcoming World Championship season is in full swing for the natural track lugers. In mid-August, the Austrian team gathered for a special training camp in Ötztal (Austria).

Happy faces on the mountain lake

Umhausen (FIL, 28.08.2024) Michael Scheikl & Co. are rigorously preparing for the 2024/2025 Natural Track Luge World Cup, with the highlight being the World Championship in Kühtai (Austria) in January. For this reason, sports director Gerald Kammerlander, under the leadership of coach Thomas Kammerlander, organised a multi-day training camp. The national team met for climbing and mountaineering. “We usually train every Monday and Thursday. Additionally, we held this training camp in Ötztal from Friday to Sunday,” explains Thomas Kammerlander. The primary goal wasn't a physical endurance test, but rather a change from the regular training routine.

Florian Markt climbing the Wildspitze

On a voluntary basis, “Kammi” led his athletes to the Ötztaler Wildspitze, the highest mountain in North Tyrol at 3,768 metres, while Saturday in Sölden was dedicated entirely to team building. “As a group, we climbed the Schwarzkogel (3,016m), and then we raced down the valley on mountain carts.” The fact that the lugers’ competitive spirit kicked in during the rapid descent on the trikes was evident, says Kammerlander: “Things got pretty intense. Our sporting ambition took over, and of course, it was great fun.”

Via Ferrata over the Waterfall

On Sunday, a via ferrata was on the agenda. In Umhausen, they climbed up the Stuibenfall (see pic of Michael Scheikl), mostly vertically, to Niederthai. To conclude the outdoor training camp, a brunch awaited the national team there. “It was a very successful training camp, and the enthusiasm was high. Even nearly two years after the end of my career, I can still keep up. I’ll never let anyone say that the coach isn’t fit,” laughs “Kammi.”

Looking Forward to the Home World Championship

Now, the Austrian natural track lugers are back to their regular training routine as they head towards winter. “The workload will be gradually increased. We aim to be in top form for the home World Championship in Kühtai in January,” says Thomas Kammerlander, setting the course.