The looming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo has ignited a fiery debate around the reconstruction of the Eugenio Monti Olympic Sliding Centre in Cortina. The original track, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, fell into disrepair after its closure in 2008, becoming overgrown and dilapidated. Now, a costly and controversial project is underway to rebuild the track, raising concerns about environmental impact, budgetary overruns, and the tight deadline for completion. The hefty €125 million price tag, coupled with the extensive deforestation required for the new 1,445-meter track and its 16 curves, has drawn criticism from environmental groups and even the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Despite assurances from local authorities that the “masterpiece of engineering and sustainability” will be ready by the March deadline, skepticism remains about whether this ambitious project can be delivered on time and within budget.
The uncertainty surrounding the Cortina track has led the IOC to develop a contingency plan. Initially, St. Moritz, Switzerland, was considered as an alternative venue, but more recently, Lake Placid in the United States has emerged as the backup option. This transatlantic shift has further fueled the controversy, raising logistical and environmental concerns. Athletes, like former Dutch bobsledder Hein Brugge, who hopes to attend the Games in Cortina, are anxious for a definitive decision. The prospect of the sliding events being relocated to Lake Placid is met with disappointment by many who prefer the events to remain in Europe for both practical and environmental reasons. The tight timeline also presents challenges for athletes, who are uncertain if they will have the opportunity to train on the new track before the Olympics, further adding to the existing anxieties.
Adding to the pressure, the construction of the Cortina track is being closely monitored by the IOC and relevant international sports federations. A recent inspection of the site, while acknowledging progress, highlighted the challenging schedule. Concerns persist not only about the completion date but also the safety of the track. Before the track can be officially approved, it must undergo rigorous testing, including a pre-homologization process in March. This process involves athletes of varying skill levels testing the track to assess its safety and identify any necessary adjustments. The shadow of the tragic death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics underscores the critical importance of these safety procedures.
The controversy surrounding the bobsled, luge, and skeleton track underscores the complexities and challenges often associated with hosting the Olympic Games. While the Italian authorities tout the project as a testament to engineering and sustainability, critics point to the environmental costs and financial burdens. The debate highlights the tension between the desire to create state-of-the-art sporting facilities and the need for responsible environmental stewardship and fiscal prudence. The ultimate decision about the fate of the Cortina track will have far-reaching implications, not only for the athletes and the 2026 Winter Olympics but also for the future of Olympic development and its environmental impact.
Beyond the sliding track, Cortina d’Ampezzo will host other events during the 2026 Winter Olympics, including curling and women’s alpine skiing. The challenging ”Olimpia delle Tofane” downhill course, with its dramatic vertical drop, recently saw Italian alpine skiing star Federica Brignone achieve her first victory on the slope. Brignone, a seasoned competitor with numerous World Cup podium finishes, hopes to capture Olympic glory in front of a home crowd and expresses optimism about the timely completion of the sliding track. Her confidence reflects the broader hopes within the Italian sporting community that the controversial project will ultimately deliver a world-class venue for the Games.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo promises to be a spectacular event showcasing athletic prowess against the stunning backdrop of the Italian Alps. However, the ongoing controversy surrounding the reconstruction of the Eugenio Monti Olympic Sliding Centre casts a shadow over the preparations. The challenges of completing the complex project on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards are significant. The ultimate decision about whether the sliding events will take place in Cortina or be relocated to Lake Placid will have far-reaching consequences, impacting athletes, spectators, and the legacy of the Games. The world watches with bated breath as the deadline approaches, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes both athletic excellence and responsible development.
