The Italian resort of
Cortina d'Ampezzo was named as the host venue for the 2021
Alpine skiing world championship by International Ski Federation
(FIS) on Monday.
Cortina, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, finally
prevailed after four failed bids to host the championships
of 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
FIS said Cortina's bid was the only one it accepted for the
2021 championship.
"The commitment that we had taken to ensure that Cortina
was the only candidate was respected, now we will have a year or
more to work with even greater force," said Flavio Roda,
president of the Italian Federation of Winter Sports.
Organizers hope the 2021 event will help to boost Cortina
and the surrounding area in the northern corner of the Veneto
and return it to its former glory days when it was better known
as a key venue for international winter sporting events.
Cortina still stages speed races for the women's World Cup
ski events and has hosted FIS's European Cup snowboard-cross
championships as well as Tour de Ski cross-country world
championships.
"Finally we collect the fruits of long and serious work,
this is an historic achievement," said Mayor Andrea Franceschi.
"By accepting our candidacy as the only (bid), FIS
confirmed the value of our project," added the mayor.
The community supported the official bid via a referendum
that saw about 60% support with 44% of eligible voters taking
part.
"Justice has been done," added Veneto Governor Luca Zaia.
In order to host the World Cup in 2021, Cortina d'Ampezzo
must make significant investments in infrastructure and race
tracks.
Improved facilities for the world media are also needed.
Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Olympic Committee
(CONI) said that the 2021 events will be "even better" than what
had been planned for 2019.
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