The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) recently rejected a proposal to reopen the bobsleigh track in Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The track had been closed since the 1956 Winter Olympics due to safety concerns.
The proposal was put forward by the mayor of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Gianfranco Viel, who argued that the track should be reopened for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He argued that the track could be renovated and modernized to meet safety standards, and that it would be a great opportunity to showcase the town’s history and culture.
However, CONI rejected the proposal, citing safety concerns. They argued that the track would need to be completely rebuilt in order to meet modern safety standards, and that this would be too expensive and time-consuming. They also argued that it would be difficult to guarantee the safety of athletes on a track that had not been used in over 60 years.
The decision has been met with disappointment from many in Cortina d’Ampezzo, who had hoped that the track could be reopened for the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, CONI’s decision is understandable given the safety concerns associated with the track. While it is unfortunate that the track will not be reopened for the 2026 Winter Olympics, it is important to prioritize safety over nostalgia.
