Turin (pps) The lower part of the artificial track for luge, bobsleigh and skeleton in Cesana Pariol will be reconstructed by October 2005 at the latest, which will make the track safer for athletes participating in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin. This is the result of summit talks held in Turin by Josef Fendt, President of the International Luge Federation (FIL), representatives of the Organizing Committee for the XX Olympic Winter Games in Torino (TOROC) headed by President Valentino Castellani, Agenzia Torino 2006 as well as the constructor of the facilities Udo Gurgel.

„We are now looking forward to safe Olympic Winter Games. These changes, the cost of which is within reasonable limits, will ensure maximum safety for all athletes“, said Josef Fendt. “Basically”, Fendt added, “the track does fulfill the safety regulations, however, there is the risk of crashes at certain speeds, especially by less experienced athletes in the lower part of the track“. Fendt: „At our Executive Board meeting in June, we as the world federation will determine regulations, which will require newcomers and beginners to prove certain activities and performances before being admitted to training of the competitions held during the Olympic season”.

The structural changes in Cesana Pariol only apply to curves 16 to 18. „We are satisfied because the FIL has confirmed the technical quality of the track in principle“, explains deputy CEO of TOROC Luciano Barra.
The required approval of the construction project by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation FIBT is expected within the next few days.