The mayor of Cortina D'Ampezzo in the
northern Dolomite region of Veneto has received an anonymous
letter containing death threats in relation to the construction
of a new bobsleigh track for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter
Olympics, local newspapers reported on Friday.
"If you go ahead with the bobsleigh track, we will take you
out," reads the missive received by Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi, who
has already reportedly filed a complaint with police.
"Now it is up to investigators to shed full light on this
unexpected occurrence," he added.
The threats come on the heels of bitter controversy over the
felling of dozens of trees to make way for the new bobsleigh
track that will host the Olympic competition.
Numerous environmental associations have reportedly filed
complaints in relation to the demolition of the old Monti track
and tree-felling to make way for the new facility, asking for
the verification of compliance with landscape restrictions.
Last year plans to build a new bobsleigh track in Cortina
D'Ampezzo looked set to be scrapped due to cost issues, amid
proposals to hold the sliding events outside Italy.
The disused track at Cesana in Piemonte created for the Torino
2006 Winter Olympics was also put forward as another option.
However in the end the government and Veneto region decided to
press ahead with the original plans.
Milan and Cortina are set to host the Winter Olympics from
February 6 to 22, 2026, and then the Paralympics from March 6 to
15.
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