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Bobsleigh race in Schönau am Königssee: The ice track competitions of the Olympic Games could take place in Germany in 2026

Photo: Peter Kneffel / dpa

The Bobsleigh and Luge Association for Germany (BSD) will apply to host the Olympic bobsleigh, luge and skeleton races for 2026. "The Presidium of the BSD has decided to enter the expression of interest process. The preparatory work for the DOSB has all been done, the DOSB will send the documents to Italy on time on 1 December," BSD President Andreas Trautvetter told the dpa news agency on Wednesday. Everything else is up to the Italians," emphasized Trautvetter, who is also Vice President of Finance at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF).

Germany will apply for this with the artificial ice rinks in Schönau am Königssee, Altenberg and Winterberg. The track in Oberhof, where no bobsleigh races can be held, was not taken into account. "The first signals are positive about an application from Germany. It is important for the railway in Königssee to see light at the end of the tunnel again," said BSD CEO Thomas Schwab at the season-opening press conference last week.

The upper part of the ice channel in Bavaria was partially destroyed after a storm in July 2021. Plans for the renovation of the bobsleigh and skeleton section are underway. The later reconstruction of the men's luge start is to be realized in a second construction phase.

Italy hoping for Cesana comeback

The sports-political conflict of interest surrounding the 2026 Olympic sled races recently caused a lot of irritation after the end of the reconstruction in Cortina d'Ampezzo. While the Italians, contrary to the official statements of the organizers of the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, continue to fight in the background for a home game in the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions on the 2006 Olympic track in Cesana, the IOC rejected the track, which has been closed since 2011.

Holding the competitions outside the host country would be a novelty in the 102-year history of the Winter Games. Other candidates include the railway in Igls, Austria, south of Innsbruck, and La Plagne in France. The BSD had originally been skeptical about an application. "Winterberg, Altenberg, Oberhof, none of that works," BSD board member Schwab had said in October – now the U-turn followed.

cev/dpa