On D-1 from the transition to the first intermediate time, the race for the Winter Games in 2026 now knows all its competitors. Unless there are any last minute surprises, there will be six of them embarking on the adventure. Four European applications, a North American file, an Asian project.
The last few hours have made things a little clearer, while cities interested in continuing the “dialogue phase” must send their letter of intent to the IOC no later than Saturday March 31.
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) announced it in a press release on Thursday: a letter will be sent to the IOC confirming the desire to embark on the adventure. The names of the cities of Turin and Milan have been circulating in recent weeks. A project was also announced by the Veneto region. Surprise: the Italian file could involve Milan and Turin.
“CONI has informed the IOC of its desire to continue the dialogue phase begun in recent months regarding the 2026 Winter Olympics, specifies the Italian Olympic Committee in its press release. In order to meet the deadline indicated by the IOC, and after numerous meetings and discussions with IOC officials, CONI announced its intentions with a letter in which the candidacy of the cities of Milan/Turin was noted. »
The Italian file could be brought jointly by the two northern metropolises, 145 km apart. But it is still subject to one condition, anything but anecdotal: the green light from the government. Only problem: it doesn't exist. CONI specifies in its press release that it is “ pending the formation of the new government, to which he will submit a feasibility study carried out at the beginning of 2018"
Another confirmation: Calgary will be there. The metropolis of Alberta, host of the Winter Games in 1988, finally obtained a guarantee from the authorities of the province and the country of their financial participation in the bid campaign. The federal government will sign a check for 10,5 million Canadian dollars (€6,6 million), with Alberta adding a transfer of 10 million (€6,3 million).
Good news for Naheed Nenshi, the mayor of Calgary, so impatient to obtain this green light from the authorities that his services had anticipated the news by publishing a report in mid-March announcing it ahead of time. Only problem: the Alberta government explained that it conditions its subsidy on the organization of a consultation of the local population. The Calgary 2026 project should therefore be submitted to a referendum.
Conversely, Lillehammer will not be in the race. Gerhard Heiberg, the former Norwegian member of the IOC, now an honorary member, confided this on Thursday March 29 to Associated Press: " I am convinced that we would have had better chances for 2026, but I must recognize that the timing is not right. We are running out of time to resolve certain project issues, including the budget. This makes me sad, because obviously we would have been strong competitors. But it is better for us to wait until 2030"
Lillehammer and Norway now out of the race, the selection phase for the 2026 Games should continue, starting next week, with six applicants: Sion (Switzerland), Calgary (Canada), Sapporo (Japan), Graz/Schladming (Austria). ), Stockholm (Sweden), Turin/Milan (Italy). The IOC can rub its hands: the casting does not lack allure.
