The opening test races at the controversial sliding venue for the Milan-Cortina Olympics will not have any spectators in attendance. Despite the completion of the track itself, the surrounding area is still under construction. Nevertheless, the upcoming World Cup bobsled and skeleton meet scheduled from Friday to Sunday will serve as an Olympic test event in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Luge athletes have also been conducting trials at the venue in preparation for the Games taking place from February 6 to 22.
Fabio Saldini, the Italian government commissioner overseeing the venue’s construction, stated that approximately 250 athletes will have tested the track within a month, providing a thorough assessment for future use. The old Eugenio Monti track, which originally opened in 1923, closed in 2008 due to escalating maintenance expenses.
Despite initial challenges, the organizers are confident in completing the 118 million euros ($136 million US) project on time. The new venue, constructed on the same site after dismantling the old track, prioritizes environmental considerations. The refrigerant used in the new facility is 96% glycol, significantly more environmentally friendly compared to the previous ammonia-based system. Additionally, the track’s output will be utilized to cool Cortina’s ice arena during the Olympics, with plans to continue cooling a new curling center post-Games.
Notable enhancements to the new track include an additional 100 meters in length (now 1,445 meters) and an increase in corners from 11 to 16. The upcoming World Cup sliding event in Cortina marks the first in nearly 18 years, with veteran American bobsledder Kaillie Humphries-Armbruster being the sole athlete in the 30-nation field to have competed on the former Cortina track. Local skeleton athlete Mattia Gaspari from Cortina anticipates representing host Italy at the event.