It’s always been about Beijing. But suddenly, its Paris and Toronto.
According to several media reports, Paris and Toronto may get higher marks in the technical assessment report to be released Tuesday, than Beijing, the frontrunner in the race for the 2008 Summer Games.
Paris and Toronto have about 60 to 70 per cent of their venues completed, while Beijing is well behind. But reports say that Beijing could still become host city for the 2008 Games when the vote is taken in July.
However some IOC observers believe that when it comes to the vote, politics may turn out to be more influential than technical factors. Beijing holds a strong card as an attractive expanding commercial market for the blue chip sponsors who back the Games.
Meanwhile, Paris bid officials took foreign media on a tour Sunday, saying they’ll put their plans up against Toronto’s any day.
And Toronto isn’t taking any chances. Canada’s Prime Minister, Jean Chretien confirmed he will be flying to Moscow in July to promote Toronto’s Olympic bid.
“They are preparing an excellent bid. I’m hearing that it’s considered probably as the best, technically. I think Toronto will be a great place to have the Olympics in 2008”, he said.
