Pre-homologation tests have taken place at the Beijing 2022 sliding track ©IBSF

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic sliding track has been described as "excellent" and "awesome" after pre-homologation tests took place.

Experts from both the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and International Luge Federation (FIL) attended the tune-up which was held over seven days at China's National Sliding Centre in Yanqing.

Test runs were carried out by the Chinese bobsleigh and skeleton team as well as luge athletes from overseas.

Meetings were also held with the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee and track designer Uwe Deyle.

"We have seen an excellent prepared track and were impressed by the smooth and perfect organised event which was held under strict hygiene measurements due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said IBSF President Ivo Ferriani, a member of the International Olympic Committee. 

"This was definitely the most impressive pre-homologation we have seen. 

"We are looking forward to working now on the details for the test event to be held in March 2021. 

The Beijing 2022 track has been described as
The Beijing 2022 track has been described as "excellent" and "awesome" following testing ©Getty Images

"I want to thank the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee for the outstanding work they have done so far. 

"Additionally, a huge thank you for the national Chinese athletes and their coaches for conducting the test-runs."

Walter Plaikner, a doubles luge gold medallist from the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo and now the deputy chairman of the FIL's Track Construction Commission, also praised the testing.

"I have been at all homologation since the 1980s but this was not just excellent but awesome," the Italian said. 

"The best I have seen." 

Homologation takes place at all sliding tracks to make sure they are safe for racing.

The Beijing 2022 tests were due to take place in March before being moved because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result of COVID-19, a number of international athletes were unable to take part.

Beijing 2022 is due to begin on February 4 in 2022 – less than sixth months after the Closing Ceremony of the re-arranged Tokyo 2020 Games.