The 2026 Olympics still have no bobsleigh track: now the Italians are launching a desperate project

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

It’s an embarrassing farce like no other. The Olympic organizers of Milan-Cortina 2026 want to somehow ensure that the bobsleigh, skeleton and luge races take place in Italy despite the lack of an ice rink.

St. Moritz GR has been available as a replacement location for months. Other railways, such as Innsbruck (A), also hope to intervene. But now, just two years before the Games, the Italians are embarking on their last-ditch project. The bobsleigh track in Cortina, which was demolished last year, must be rebuilt, although environmental associations and parts of politics are opposed to this. Last year, a construction company could not be found due to unpredictable costs.

Politics is interfering with the construction of the bobsleigh track

“It is with surprise and indignation that we learn of the new tender for the construction of the bobsleigh track in Cortina,” said Green Party politician Luana Zanella (73) of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, according to “il Dolomiti”.

The bobsled farce has long since become a political issue. The main character behind the latest project is politician Mattia Salvini (50) – the boss of the right-wing League is the deputy head of government of Italy and wants to somehow avert the alleged shame that will take place for the first time in the history of the Winter Games place outside the organizing country.

The IOC calls for a move abroad

Now the time for a new building is even tighter, but scaling up the project should now attract willing construction companies. Change format? The plan for the new building, which in fact failed, was hastily scrapped: it would cost 81 million euros instead of about 120 as before. Less permanent stands. No permanent roof covering of the target area. No building for a fan bar. Less parking space.

Because the IOC demands a definitive solution by the end of January, interested construction companies must report no later than January 18. A suicide mission. In addition to incalculable costs and resistance from environmental activists and politicians, there is also enormous time pressure. In a year’s time the track should be ready for the main rehearsals of the World Cup.

It will also be exciting to see how the IOC will react if construction actually takes place in Cortina. Olympic boss Christophe Dubi told Blick in December: “The IOC’s opinion is clear. We want a meaningful legacy, especially for ice rink buildings, for the time after the Games. We have not heard any arguments about this in Cortina.”

Source : Blick