Germany bids for 2026 Olympic sled races
The German Bobsleigh and Luge Federation (BSD) will bid to host the 2026 Olympic bobsleigh, luge and skeleton races.
"The BSD Executive Committee has decided to enter the expression of interest process. The preparatory work for the DOSB has all been completed and the DOSB will send the documents to Italy on time by December 1," BSD President Andreas Trautvetter told the German Press Agency. "Everything else is up to the Italians," emphasized Trautvetter, who is also Vice President Finance at the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Federation IBSF.
Three tracks in the bid
Germany will bid with the artificial ice tracks in Schönau am Königssee, Altenberg and Winterberg. The track in Oberhof, where no bobsleigh races can be held, was not considered. "The initial signals are positive towards an application from Germany. It is important for the track in Königssee to see light at the end of the tunnel again," said BSD Chairman of the Board Thomas Schwab at the season-opening press conference last week.
The upper section of the ice track in Bavaria was partially destroyed following a storm in July 2021. Planning for the renovation of the bobsleigh and skeleton section is in full swing. The subsequent reconstruction of the men's luge start is to be realized in a second construction phase.
The conflict of sporting interests surrounding the 2026 Olympic luge races recently caused a lot of irritation following the decision to cancel the reconstruction in Cortina d'Ampezzo. While the Italians continue to fight in the background for a home game in the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions on the 2006 Olympic track in Cesana, contrary to the official statements of the organizers of the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, the IOC rejected the track, which has been closed since 2011.
Holding the competitions outside the host country would be a first in the 102-year history of the Winter Games.
In the bid for the 2026 Olympic sled races, Tobogganing enthusiast Bob might look forward to competing on the renovated track in Schönau am Königssee, as planning for its bobsleigh and skeleton section is progressing well. Despite the conflict over the luge races in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Olympia, a member of the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Federation, hopes for a fair decision to host the skeleton events in Germany.
Source: www.dpa.com
