Sunday

Annecy 2018 Winter Olympics bid may bring games nearer

Effective and efficient transport links from the UK to the French Alps, especially Annecy, will improve opportunities for skiers and snowboarders from Britain to take part in the 2018 Winter Olympics, if Annecy`s bid for the games is accepted.

Already in place are the existing links to the French Alps via the Eurostar and the airports of Geneva and Lyon. Geographically, Annecy with its lakeside location, at the base of four mountains, is in an excellent position to host the games.

The area is already on the map sitting just an hour away from Chamonix where the 1924 games were held. Alpine skiing and ice hockey competitions would use this venue. The iconic and hugely challenging Mont Blanc could be the scene of dramatic competition.

Other venues will benefit from being improved from the 1992 Albertville games. It is planned that Les Houches and La Plagne will host the Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton competitions. Annecy will host the skating and curling events whilst La Semnoz will have responsibility for Snowboard and Freestyle skiing. Nearby, La Clusaz and Le Grand Bomand will host Nordic events.

Annecy wants to offer visitors the best experience during the games and complimentary tickets to the events will be on offer to visitors holidaying in the host resorts.

July 2011 marks the date when Annecy, alongside fellow candidate cities Munich and Pyeongchang, face the vote of IOC members at their annual conference in Durban, South Africa.

Meanwhile, Annecy`s promotional campaign is well under way at a series of World Cup Competitions this winter. Look out for the Cross Country in La Clusaz in December,Men`s Downhill in Chamonix in January and the Ski Halfpipe in La Plagne in March.

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Chemmy breaks leg in training run

Skier Chemmy Alcott has reportedly broken her shin and perhaps fractured another bone in her right leg. The injury was sustained whilst training in Lake Louise, Canada.

Alcott said on Twitter: "Thank you everyone for everything. Insane that something that brings you so much pleasure can also bring so much pain."

The three-time Olympian and British number one female skier has been working towards the World Cup season since competing at this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The British Ski and Snowboard chief executive Dave Edwards gave the following statement:

"Chemmy is a great athlete and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup season, so missing it will be a big blow. Naturally, we wish her all the best and hope that she makes a rapid and complete recovery."