- Track structure completed March 16 despite weather challenges
- 60 athletes begin homologation testing starting April 15
- Backup plan could move events to Lake Placid facilities
- Security tightened after March refrigeration sabotage incident
Construction teams in Cortina d'Ampezzo have raced against time to complete the Olympic sliding track reconstruction since 2023. Workers celebrated the March 16 structural completion by placing an evergreen branch across the track - a symbolic gesture representing new beginnings in Italian winter sports tradition. Veneto region president Luca Zaia emphasized this milestone marks the starting push before the Olympic descent.
Ice preparation teams now work in rotating shifts to combat unseasonably warm spring temperatures. Officials confirm half of the track's refrigeration system currently maintains competition-grade ice, with workers using protective netting to stabilize conditions. This comes after unexpected snowfall in late March temporarily slowed progress, followed by an overcompensation that required removing excess ice layers.
The upcoming athlete trials carry unprecedented stakes for Italy's Olympic organizers. A successful homologation process would validate three years of contentious construction marked by environmental protests and budget debates. Industry analysts note this represents Europe's final traditional bobsled track project, as newer venues like Beijing's Yanqing Sliding Center adopt automated cooling systems.
Regional case study: Cortina's track revival contrasts sharply with Lake Placid's 2022 $100 million renovation. While the New York facility uses advanced ammonia-based refrigeration, the Italian project preserves historic stone construction methods. This balance between heritage preservation and modern safety standards has become a blueprint for UNESCO-protected winter sports destinations.
Security measures have intensified following a March incident where vandals removed a refrigeration component. SIMICO officials confirm 24/7 surveillance now protects critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, temporary athlete housing installations progress nearby, with modular units designed for reuse in future Dolomites sporting events.