Concerns Mount Over Condition of Milan-Cortina 2026 Bobsleigh Track
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Just two weeks after the close of competition, the newly constructed bobsleigh track intended for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is already facing significant issues, with reports of approximately one million euros in damages. The track, built at a cost of 120 million euros, is reportedly in a state of disrepair, raising questions about its readiness to host world-class athletes in less than two years.
The concerns stem from a report published Saturday by Corriere del Veneto, which detailed a series of problems at the venue. According to the report, the damage appears to be the result of negligence, rather than typical wear and tear following a major event. Issues identified include a damaged sewer grate caused by an overly heavy vehicle, twisted piping, torn protective canopies, damaged electrical boxes, and detached cables. Perhaps most concerning, the control room at the finish line was reportedly found unlocked and accessible to the public.
A Rushed Project From the Start
The bobsleigh track’s construction was itself a source of debate, with the project only getting underway in February 2024 – a mere two years before the scheduled start of the Games. This late start prompted discussions about potentially relocating the bobsleigh events to venues in Switzerland or Austria, but Italian organizers and the government ultimately decided to proceed with building the track in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This decision came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had initially considered alternative locations. The late start and the ambitious timeline raised concerns about the quality and safety of the venue, and those concerns are now seemingly being realized.
Local Officials Remain Optimistic
Despite the reported damage, local officials are attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. Cortina d’Ampezzo Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi expressed optimism that the track will be fully restored. “The Milan-Cortina Foundation will put everything back in order,” Lorenzi stated, as reported by Le Parisien. “It’s part of the system; it’s normal that repairs are needed after an event.” He further predicted that the track would be functional by the finish of March.
Though, the extent of the damage and the short timeframe for repairs raise doubts about whether that timeline is realistic. The one million euro estimate suggests the issues are more than just minor cosmetic fixes.
Broader Context: Italy’s Olympic Ambitions
The issues with the bobsleigh track come as Italy looks ahead to potentially hosting the Summer Olympics in the future. Just last month, officials in Rome signaled their interest in bidding for either the 2036 or 2040 Summer Games. The success of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics is seen as crucial to bolstering Italy’s credibility as a host nation. Any significant problems with the venues, particularly those stemming from apparent negligence, could jeopardize future bids.
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has voiced his support for a potential Rome bid, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government, the municipality, the region, and the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) to build a competitive proposal. The Foro Italico, a pre-existing infrastructure complex in Rome that includes an Olympic stadium, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, could serve as a key asset in a future bid.
The current situation with the bobsleigh track serves as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in delivering complex sporting events. Maintaining infrastructure, ensuring safety, and adhering to timelines are all critical components of a successful Games. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Milan-Cortina organizers can address the issues at the bobsleigh track and restore confidence in their ability to host a successful Winter Olympics in 2026.
For fans eager to follow the progress of the Milan-Cortina 2026 preparations, the official website at milanocortina2026.coni.it provides the latest news and updates on the Italian team and the Games’ organization. The Olympic Winter Games are scheduled to grab place from February 6 to February 22, 2026, with around 2,900 athletes from over 90 National Olympic Committees competing in 116 events.
The next major checkpoint for the Milan-Cortina organizing committee will be a progress report expected in late March, detailing the repairs to the bobsleigh track and outlining plans for ongoing venue maintenance. This report will be closely watched by the IOC and the international sporting community.
