Preparations for the 2021/2022 World Cup season are in full swing for the athletes of natural track luge. The athletes of the FIL group prepare "virtually" for the winter. The coach of the FIL group, Christina Götschl, explains how this training method works.

The FIL Group is a training group of the International Luge Federation FIL for athletes from nations who do not have their own coach and rely on the support of the FIL. The former natural track athlete Christina Götschl (AUT) is coaching the FIL Group since winter 2020/2021.

Remi d‘Aviau de Ternay (FRA) doing exercises in front of the webcam

FIL: Christina Götschl, the FIL Group's “virtual” preparation works. How can we imagine that?
Christina Götschl: “The athletic preparation for the upcoming season is extremely important. Our athletes are spread all over the world, so it is difficult to guarantee a coordinated preparation. Hence the idea of “virtual” training arose. I have sent the training plans and I can watch the athletes doing their exercises and give instructions via webcam on the computer."

FIL: How are the athletes reacting to this new path?
Christina Götschl: “The athletes accept the instrument very well. Many do not have a coach; in the past they have often prepared for the season without a plan. Or according to the instructions of a gym. Now they have specific exercises that are especially for luge athletes."

FIL: What is the current state of preparation for the season? How is it going?
Christina Götschl: “The virtual training gave the athletes a boost in motivation. Training in a group - even if it is practically only in front of the computer - is of course more fun. Before the season really starts, we do a fitness test so that we can check the physical condition and, if necessary, react to weak points."

FIL: Gym training is one thing, luge training is another. When does the training on the ice begin?
Christina Götschl: “It won't take long. In the last week in December, the juniors have the international training week in Winterleiten (AUT), followed by the international training week for the general class in Winterleiten in the first week in January 2022, at the same time the juniors train in Latzfons (ITA)."

* The juniors start on 30.-31. December 2021 on the Winterleiten into the new season, the first race in the FIL World Cup will follow on the 8th-9th. January 2022 in Umhausen (AUT).