At the end of March 2023, the IOC responded by letter to CIPRA’s critical written enquiries: for CIPRA, the most important point is the IOC’s unequivocal statement that it has never called for the construction of a new bobsleigh run in Cortina. On the contrary: in its reply dated 20 March 2023, the IOC states: “As regards the bobsleigh run in Cortina, we are of the opinion that no new bobsleigh track needs to be built for the Winter Olympics, but that an existing facility in the region or in another country should instead be used.” Apropos the decision to build a new facility in Cortina, the IOC emphasises that it was simply presented with a fait accompli: “Once it [i.e. the bobsleigh run] has been built, it would be unreasonable – regardless of the IOC’s view – not to use it.”

Only an offer from Innsbruck will create the necessary transparency

In the interest of local people and the natural environment – both of which are always severely affected by the Winter Games – CIPRA is therefore calling on the organising committee of Milano-Cortina 2026 to obtain an offer from the operators of the bobsleigh track in Igls, near Innsbruck, to hold the 2026 competitions on the bobsleigh run there. To refuse would be proof of an unprofessional approach and evidence of the imminent and senseless squandering of public money on a new construction whose estimated cost – over 100 million euros – is constantly being revised upwards. Moreover, it is questionable whether the bobsleigh run in Cortina will be finished in time. After all, the ice track must be ready for the 2024-25 winter season, as prior World Cup races are required as test runs for a new Olympic run.

The best part of staging a more cost-effective event in Igls is that holding the bobsleigh and luge races there would also be entirely in keeping with the spirit of Milano Cortina 2026, with no additional damage caused to Cortina’s natural surroundings, an aspect that will become increasingly important for tourism in the future.

Further information: www.cipra.org/de/medienmitteilungen/ioc-befuerwortet-bob-loesung-im-ausland (de, it)