LAUSANNE, 7 June 2005 — Paris won top marks when the IOC’s much-heralded evaluation report on the five cities vying for the 2012 Olympics was released here yesterday.
But London, Madrid and New York also got good reports, making it a tight four-way battle to win sports most glittering prize.
The report, however, all but doomed the Russian capital’s hopes of being named the winner when the IOC members vote in Singapore on July 6 on the 2012 host.
The 123-page evaluation report showered Paris with complements - describing the city’s candidature file as being ‘of a very high quality.’
London were also given a ‘very high quality’ rating.
“We are delighted,” was how London bid chairman Sebastian Coe summarized London’s reaction to the IOC findings.
“From initial observations, a lot of hard work has paid off,” the former Olympic gold medalist added, arguing that London had successfully addressed concerns raised by they IOC last year concerning some venues, the location of certain events, transport and the level of public and government support for the bid.
“Overall this is a great springboard for the last 30 days of the campaign,” he added.
New York were reminded that the row over their planned Olympic stadium must be sorted out. City officials are hoping that the stadium plans will be approved later when the Public Authorites Control Board vote on the project.
Bid leader Dan Doctoroff said he was delighted with the commission’s report.
“We are absolutely delighted by the IOC’s evaluation commission report today. The report makes clear that this race is neck and neck and that New York is firmly in the top tier,” he said.
“The IOC report has made crystal clear that we’re in a great position to win in Singapore on July 6 so long as the stadium is approved.”
There was no immediate reaction from Paris, Madrid or Moscow.
The Russian capital will not be able to take much comfort from the report.
“A lack of detailed planning in the candidature file and background information made it difficult for the commission to evaluate the project,” said the commission’s report.
Despite the upbeat mood from London, there was a clear note of caution for them in the report.
Noting the plan to use the Games to regenerate and develop the Lower Lea Valley the commission warns: “Given the magnitude of the project careful planning would be required to ensure that all facilities are completed on time.”
Transport was also an issue. The report said the transport demands would be met “provided that the substantial program of public transport improvements is fully delivered before 2012.”
For Madrid, hotels proved a set back.
“Madrid may need to use hotels in cities approximately one hour away by high-speed rail in order to meet Olympic requirements and spectator needs,” said the report.
But despite the reservations, London, Madrid and New York are shown as serious contenders to Paris.
As former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch warned recently when asked about Paris being favorite for 2012, that in the IOC, favorites don’t always win.
The final 30 days before the Singapore vote will see a flurry of activity from all five cities.
Yesterday’s evaluation commission report confirms four of them can go to Singapore dreaming of a win.
