St. Moritz as a replacement location is still not off the table: the scandal surrounding the construction of the bobsleigh track for the 2026 Olympic Games is growing

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What is happening in Italy is what has dominated criticism of the Olympic Games for a long time, and especially here in Switzerland: too expensive, not sustainable enough, megalomaniac.

In the Olympic resort of Cortina, the main concern is the last-minute new construction of the bobsleigh track, which was pushed through against all reason and against the will of the IOC by right-wing Lega politicians – because of national pride they want to prevent the ice rink races from being held abroad must become.

That is why construction is now underway in Cortina. However, no high-ranking politician dared to appear in person at the opening of the construction site. There are some protesters on site. It soon becomes clear that the construction of the dilapidated 1956 Olympic circuit will cause significant disruptions to nature. About 500 trees are being cut down. In addition, a children’s playground in the target area that was built only three years ago for 1 million euros is being demolished.

Death threat against the mayor of Cortina

The scandal surrounding the ice rink for the 2026 Olympic Games is growing. Conservationists complain that many more than the announced 500 trees are falling in the larch forest. The mood is extremely heated. Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi received a death threat in an anonymous letter. “If you continue to build the bobsled track, we will eliminate you,” it reads. Now the police are investigating.

And the costs? Hardly anyone doubts that the budgeted costs of 81.5 million will be exceeded; there is already talk of around 120 million. Once again there is the threat of an Olympic grave worth millions.

Moreover, the time pressure is enormous: to actually become an Olympic venue, Cortina must be able to drive and test months in advance. It requires the fastest ice rink construction in history.

It would be the dreaded final chapter in the bobsleigh track scandal: that construction will now take place against all odds and that ultimately no Olympic races will take place. The legendary natural ice rink in St. Moritz is still being discussed as a replacement location. However, this winter’s problems with warm periods have not exactly strengthened the position of the Engadine. Because the ice rink in Innsbruck will be modernized in the near future, the Austrians seem to be the new favorite as a last-minute replacement location.

Source : Blick