IOC evaluation team vists Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Mar 2, 2011, 15:23 GMT

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany - An International Olympic Committee evaluation team visited the proposed skiing sites for the Munich 2018 Games on Wednesday.

The 11-strong IOC commission led by Gunilla Lindberg of Sweden got a first-hand view of the alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and biathlon venues in Garmisch-Partenkirchen before moving on to the sliding centre in Koenigssee.

Olympic supporters and opponents were on hand as well, the day after the IOC committee met with opponents of the Games.

'The evaluation commission was enthusiastic. You should not make too much of the demonstrations,' said Rosi Mittermaier, a two-time 1976 Olympics skiing gold medallist and ambassador of Munich's bid.

'I don't know anyone who is against the Olympics in Garmisch.'

German chancellor Angela Merkel will also lobby for the Games at a dinner for the IOC commission on Thursday. The IOC tour ends on Friday.

Opponents contend that Garmisch-Partenkirchen is too small to host an event of such magnitude. Some farmers in the ski resort are also refusing to give up land for events.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosted the 1936 Winter Games and was also the site of the alpine skiing world championships last month.

Munich is bidding for the 2018 Games along with Annecy, France, and Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The evaluation commission report is scheduled to be released in June. It is regarded as technical assessment of each bidder to help IOC members who will elect the 2018 host on July 6 in Durban.

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