German bob and skeleton athletes praise China's new Olympic track

BERLIN - German bobsleigh and skeleton athletes praised the new Yanqing track for Beijing 2022 after pre-Olympic test runs there.

Yanqing, a northern suburb of Beijing and one of the three competition zones of Beijing 2022, played host to bobsleigh and skeleton test runs between October 5 and 27.

German bobsleigh head coach Rene Spies called the venue "architecturally outstanding" as it is "smoothly embedded in the landscape."

China's organizers have created a "challenging competition site that doesn't allow any mistakes", the German coach said, adding that his team would need to perform at a high level to live up to their tag as pre-tournament favorites.

Returning to Germany, Spies called the trip to China ahead of several European Cup events a success, "as everything was perfectly organized."

Like Spies, athletes discussed the strict COVID-19 countermeasures in place for the Games, but emphasized that they fully accept the rules.

All German athletes, coaches, and staff are fully vaccinated, the association revealed.

"We felt comfortable despite the rules. We were somehow isolated but could entirely focus on our sports," Mariama Jamanka said.

The 2018 Olympic gold medal winner added, "We need to see the entire picture. The Olympics are the peak for athletes. To be able to compete is the primary target."

Compatriot Laura Nolte said that everyone is used to the restrictions. "I don't see a big problem. The fact is, in sports, we too have to live with it."

Nolte called the track tricky but safe. "There are many parts you enjoy driving."

2018 Olympic champion Francesco Friedrich called the regulations tight, "but after all, we are preparing for the Olympic Games, not a regional event."

For Friedrich, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat to all events. "It doesn't make sense to think about the measures, but instead use your energy to deliver a satisfying competition," he commented, adding that it is vital to keep one's speed from the start to cover the flat parts of the Yanqing track.

Seven-time skeleton world champion Tina Hermann spoke of an impressive track, while fellow skeleton athlete Jaqueline Lolling felt inspired by the scenery.

The building delivers "pure motivation and inspires you to compete at the highest level," the 2018 Olympic silver medalist added.

Germany skeleton head coach Christian Baude said he is optimistic for the Olympics after the preparation camp. "If you understand the characteristics of the track, you get along well."

Four-time Olympic champion and tobogganist Natalie Geisenberger said she is excited to experience a new track. "I might have seen all of them in my career. It's thrilling to see a new one now," she added.

Geisenberger takes off for test runs in China with the sledge team next Wednesday. "It's my fourth Olympics and I still want to win medals."