IOC impressed with 'spectacular' Sochi run

LONDON, Russia, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Olympic officials, making a visit to check preparations for the 2014 Olympics, had strong praise for the Alpine skiing venue in Sochi, Russia.

International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission members Tuesday wrapped up a two-day tour of venues at Sochi. The XXII Olympic Games are scheduled for Feb. 7-23, 2014, in southwestern Russia.

Commission Chairmen Jean Claude-Killy, who won gold medals in the downhill, giant slalom and slalom in the 1968 Olympics, expressed his admiration the run in Sochi, calling it "one of the most spectacular downhill courses on the World Cup circuit."

"The Sochi 2014 venues and operations will be tested, re-tested and tested again over the next two years," Killy said Tuesday. "We have now seen two of the most difficult sports events (downhill and super combined) to stage on the winter Olympic program take place on these new Olympic courses.

"The fact that the venues have been so well-received is a credit to the five years of hard work undertaken by the local organizers and their partners, their teamwork and their ability to deliver."

Commission members visited a number of venues, including the freestyle, jumping and sliding centers, the Olympic villages, the Olympic stadium, and the Olympic park.

IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli said, "We have been very impressed by the quality and detail of the presentations that have been made this week."