Lake Placid has been designated as the contingency location for the 2026 Olympic bobsled, luge, and skeleton events if Italy does not complete renovations on its historic track for the Milan-Cortina Games, officials announced on Wednesday. While Italian authorities maintain confidence in finishing the century-old track—currently being restored at a cost nearing $90 million—before February 2026, Lake Placid stands ready as a backup option. In anticipation, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated the region is "honored" to engage with Italian organizers to develop a detailed alternative plan.
Lake Placid, having hosted the Winter Games in 1932 and 1980, is no stranger to Olympic events. Scott Riewald, CEO of USA Luge, noted that holding Olympic events at home presents "great opportunities" for US athletes, allowing them to compete in familiar settings where they often excel. The venue, managed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority, will host the next world championships in bobsled and skeleton in March, reinforcing its preparedness.
Despite assurances from Italy that the Cortina track will be ready, uncertainty remains. Officials plan to continue construction throughout the winter, using temporary protective coverings and converting the refrigeration system to heating for worker comfort. If Italian plans falter, Lake Placid's role could expand significantly, offering a strategic competitive advantage to US teams accustomed to the challenging demands of the home track at Mount Van Hoevenberg. The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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