The International Olympic Committee remains unimpressed by Italy’s determination to spend about $90 million rebuilding its historic bobsled track for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The International Olympic Committee remains unimpressed with Italy’s determination to spend about $90 million rebuilding its historic bobsled track for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The IOC’s latest statement on Wednesday about the rift in public opinion came a day after local organizers of the Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympics pressed ahead with plans to revive a century-old slide in the Dolomites ski resort.
The IOC wants to use the existing track when the Winter Games open in just two years, aiming to avoid construction costs and the possibility of white-elephant venues, with St. Moritz in Switzerland and Austria There are two options that are close to the Eagles.
The issue is a matter of national pride for Italy, which avoids funding other countries in 12 of its 116 medal events.
“The IOC strongly believes that the number of existing sliding centers worldwide is sufficient for the current number of athletes and competitions in the sports of bobsled, luge and skeleton,” the Olympic body said in a statement.
The IOC’s opposition to a tightly scheduled Italian renewal project such as Cortina or Cesana (a sliding course previously considered for the 2006 Turin Olympics and now closed) is a sign of the IOC’s opposition to a tightly scheduled Italian renewal project, such as Cortina or Cesana (a previously considered sliding course currently closed for the 2006 Turin Olympics). It has been publicly clear since the next general meeting. India.
“The remaining schedule is so tight that existing and already operating tracks should be considered (only),” the IOC said in a statement, adding, “Without a clear and viable legacy plan, we cannot build a permanent venue.” It’s clear we shouldn’t do that.”
Italy’s deputy prime minister detailed his country’s position on Tuesday.
“It is unacceptable that bobsled races are held outside Italy,” Antonio Tajani said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “I will do my best to achieve my goals.”
Still, the Italian organizing committee is aiming to draw up a backup plan if renovations to the Cortina track, used for the 1956 Winter Olympics, are not completed by next March.
The commission announced after Tuesday’s board meeting that its plan is to sign a contract with a Parma-based construction company that has offered 81.6 million euros ($89 million) to rebuild the Cortina track. .
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Associated Press on the Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games