Milano Cortina 2026 CEO Andrea Varnier: Venues almost ready for Games

Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 CEO Andrea Varnier talked to China Media Group (CMG) on Thursday about the preparations for the Winter Games next year. According to him, venues for the competitions are almost ready and test events so far have all been very successful.

Varnier revealed that though the organizing committee has to work until the final moments in several areas, most of the progress for preparations are satisfactory.

Having worked as one of the directors of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Varnier said that one of the major differences between now and then is technology, especially cyber security. A lot has been invested into this sector because it's one of the most important parts of the preparations.

Many existing venues will be reused at the 2026 Winter Games and Varnier hopes that this can become a new model for host cities in the future. He also gave some spoilers for the opening ceremony which he wants to involve as many athletes and venues as possible instead of only happening at the main stadium.

The 2026 Winter Games will run from February 6th to 22nd next year.