Athletes from 24 countries start Bobsleigh and Skeleton training at National Sliding Center

(ECNS) -- The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Training started at National Sliding Center in Yanqing on Thursday.

Athletes from 24 countries, including the U.S., the UK, Germany and Russia, experienced China's first major bobsleigh and luge race track for the first time.

The track is the 17th in the world and third in Asia. The 1,975-meter track has a vertical drop of 121 meters and consists of 16 curves of varying degrees, including a unique 360° turn.

"This is the first time for National Sliding Center to host a high-level international event. At present, preparations for upcoming competitions have been completed. More than 400 athletes from China and abroad will participate in the event. As the venue operation team, we are confident and determined to meet the challenge, and we also wish this international test event complete success," said Lin Jinwen, director of National Sliding Center.