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There are many indications that next Thursday the decision will finally be made about where the 2026 Olympic ice rink races will take place. This January 18 is often cited as a crucial day, at least in the bobsleigh scene, as Italian Olympic organizers approach the very last deadline for the construction of an ice rink in Cortina.
Under political pressure, can a construction company be found at the last minute and become involved for around 80 million euros in the crazy project to rebuild the demolished railway line in just a few months?
Can the natural ice withstand the Olympic load?
St. Moritz has been available for months in 2026 as a replacement location for bobsleigh, skeleton and luge. This option was of course also a hot topic last weekend at the World Cup in St. Moritz. One of the most important questions: Will the natural ice rink be able to withstand the high load on the Olympic date in February? Swiss bobsleigh pilot Melanie Hasler: “I’m afraid you would have to ride in the middle of the night because of the temperatures.”
Gregor Stähli (55) counters. The former world skeleton champion is director of the bobsleigh track in Engadin and says: “It is not a problem of the track, but of resources. We would switch to a two-shift system for rail staff.” Stähli assures that approximately 60 rides take place every day in normal daily use with many guest bobsleighs. For the Olympic Games, it is also possible to place cooling cushions for difficult passages. And ex-bobsledder Hans Hiltebrand (79) brings a new detail into play: “The training could be carried out before the Olympic Games to spread it over more days.”
If the Italians build, St. Moritz wants the European Bobsleigh Championships in 2026
But Stähli also says clearly: St. Moritz needs a decision now. If the Italians want to push ahead with their own railway project in Cortina and fail sometime shortly before the Olympics, the train has left the Engadine.
For now, the residents of St. Moritz are planning the future without the Olympic Games. They want to win the contract for the 2026 European Bobsleigh Championships, which will take place shortly before the games. There are also thoughts about registering for the World Cup again in 2028 or 2029.
The endless wait at the location is annoying for the pilots. And because of the Olympic feeling, Hasler and Michael Vogt (26), also the great Swiss hope, hope that they will race in Italy in two years. “I would prefer to go to the Olympic Games in the country where the games take place. Unfortunately, we don’t have a home advantage in St. Moritz anyway,” said Vogt.
Bob-Dominator mentions Cesena as an option
Stähli, himself an Olympic bronze winner, understands the pilots’ concerns. But he says: “The athletes could certainly live in Milan in the Olympic village. You can be in St. Moritz within three hours.’
German bobsleigh superstar Francesco Friedrich (33) brings a completely different variant to the game. The four-time Olympic champion suggests the Turin 2006 circuit will be reactivated in Cesena. “The buildings in Cortina are becoming very tight. That’s why I’m betting on Cesena, they just have to get the cooling under control there. But in terms of atmosphere, St. Moritz, as the most beautiful circus route, would be a worthy replacement for the Olympic Games!”
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
