CZECH REPUBLIC: Alstom's seven-car AGV demonstrator Pégase has begun a four-month programme of dynamic trials at the Velim test track, where the traction package, wheel-rail and pantograph-catenary interfaces will be tested at up to 210 km/h.

The trainset was delivered from La Rochelle on May 14, and began test running three days later.

Riding a trial run at 150 km/h on June 25, Alstom Transport Technical Director François Lacôte said 'our first impressions are good'. If all goes well he hopes to begin 360 km/h trials on LGV Est before the end of this year, although full European TSI certification is not expected to be completed until the end of 2010.