Under the cover of night and a protective tarp, is where we get a rare glimpse of Pierre Lueders' top secret sled -- the so-called 'Whistler Bomber'.
"It's very different," he says. "It's specific for me, for this track".
And that's about all the veteran bobsleigh pilot will say about the four-man sled he designed with help from Bombardier Engineers. It was built by a man known only as 'Mr. X' in a project considered so classified not even Lueders' teammates know what sets it apart.
"All they told me is that it's really fast, and to get in the back," says Whistler Bomber brakeman Justin Kripps.
"I've learned not to ask questions," says teammate Ken Kotyk.
And that's probably a good thing. These days, there are not many answers to be had about the behind-the-scenes research and training underway for the Canadian bobsleigh team -- all in an effort to score gold in 2010.
In all, about 20 top-secret projects involving athletes and high-tech equipment are underway across Canada, and the program -- powered by Calgary-based Own the Podium -- is already seeing results.
"We're chasing the Germans for number one position, and I still think that's a very valid challenge," says Own the Podium CEO Roger Jackson. "Late in the spring, early in the summer, we will be completing most of the research projects."
Other Olympic hopefuls, including ski-sprint team member Alex Harvey, are crediting their recent achievements and progress to the covert technology. Harvey credits his recent third place World Cup finish at Whistler's Olympic park to teamwork, both on the course and off. Secret testing for his equipment began a year ago near Canmore, Alberta in an underground cement bunker -- once again, a study no one would explain.
As for the results of Pierre Lueders' sled, it slid into fourth place in its first competition in Whistler this past weekend. But no one will say just what gives it an edge.
"At this particular point in time," Jackson finishes, "I think I've told you enough."
After all, one never knows which competitors may be watching.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Sarah Galashan
