Criticism and hopes: Cortina 2026 and the new bobbing

Criticism and hopes: Cortina 2026 and the new bobbing

An exciting chapter for winter sports is imminent: The 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo are approaching us with exciting developments. On February 2, 2024, the construction of the new "Cortina Sliding Center" was officially commissioned. This project has an ambitious date: in March 2025 the train must be completed so that it can be checked for its competitiveness. The International Olympic Committee makes it clear that it is an unprecedented challenge to build a competition in such a short time.

A novelty could be that the Olympic medals are not only awarded in the host country this year. With this decision, the IOC pursues a sustainable concept that is anchored in the principles of its “Agenda 2020”. Originally there was talk that some competitions in the neighboring region of Italy, especially in the Bobbahn in Innsbruck-IGLS, could take place. To the surprise of many, however, a company from Parma was commissioned to build, which raises questions about the national handling of the games.

criticism of the costs and sustainability

Luigi Casanova, Honorary President of Mountain Wilderness Italy, has expressed concerns about the project. He describes the situation as "theatrical farce" and criticizes the exorbitant costs that could amount to up to 128 million euros. Officially, one speaks of 81 million euros, but not all costs, such as cooling or grandstands, are included in this sum.

The existing bob center "Pista Eugenio Monti", which has been out of operation since 2008, would have been a renewal that could have been only 47 million euros. The sudden decision for a new building does not seem to be understandable for many, especially in view of the modest number of only 59 active athletes in Italy who practice this sport.

Another argument against the construction is the sustainability of the new railway. Critics like Casanova clarify what will happen by train after the Olympic Games. The mayor of Cortina, Gianluca Lorenzi, also expressed concerns, especially with regard to the operating costs after the games. Despite these critical voices, Italian politics is decisive on the project.

The IOC, on the other hand, remains skeptical and emphasizes that sufficient existing bobsleighs are available for the number of athletes and competitions. A plan for the future use of the new railway has not yet been presented, and the IOC expressed that they do not want to support a new route without a clear usage plan.

The deadline for completion of the train until March 2025 is an ambitious. Experts see opportunities that it could actually succeed, provided that there are no unexpected problems. The upgrading of the infrastructure thus has far -reaching consequences that also go beyond the implementation of the Olympic Games. Observers will check exactly how this situation will develop.

For detailed reports about the current state of affairs, take a look at more information at www.kleinezeitung.at .