Leslie, who lives in Christchurch but is coached in Naseby, won last year’s Natural Track Junior World Cup series, but his third placing in the final race this week in Unterammergau, Germany, was not enough to clinch the title.
In the four races, Leslie finished first once, second once and had two thirds.In a statement, he said he had "a very good series of races", and was the only athlete to have four podium finishes.
"I was happy with my racing because I know I tried my best and gave it everything, but, like everyone, they had their ups and downs in each race, with some good luck and also some bad luck.
"This year, I felt the competition was much tighter as everyone has progressed, and it was much faster than last year, so it was a good fight because it came down to the final race."
Fifty athletes from 17 countries competed in the series.
New Zealand Luge president Geoff Balme said it was "another outstanding result for Leslie" and showed again the opportunities created for young New Zealanders from the track in Naseby.It is Leslie’s fifth season training and racing in Europe.
He will now return to the senior circuit for the final two world cup races of the season in Italy and Austria, as well as the world championships in Romania next month.
