On the 19th, Chongli in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province — which is jointly bidding with Beijing to host the 2022 Winter Olympics — welcomed experts from the International Biathlon Union with a timely snowfall as they arrived to inspect the proposed site. After completing their survey in the snow, the experts concluded that the location fully meets the requirements for constructing relevant venues and facilities to host the biathlon events of the Winter Olympics.
The International Biathlon Union was also the last of the seven international sports federations arranged by the International Olympic Committee to conduct an on-site inspection in China. Secretary-General Nicole Resch and technical expert Borut Nuna arrived in Chongli, Zhangjiakou on the 18th, and in the afternoon of the same day attended a presentation on the planning of the biathlon center. Snow began falling in the mountainous area of Chongli on the morning of the 19th. Resch and Nuna spent over an hour conducting an on-foot survey of key points of the planned biathlon center in the snow, inspecting the current conditions and design plans of the biathlon competition and training venues, the Olympic Village, the mountain media center, and related auxiliary facilities. They provided guidance and also learned about the local transportation plans.
After the survey, the two experts said that the topography and landscape of the proposed biathlon center site are entirely suitable for constructing relevant venues and facilities and for hosting the biathlon events of the Winter Olympics. Resch said that if Beijing successfully secures the right to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, the International Biathlon Union is willing to provide more assistance in venue planning and construction. Nuna commented, “The selected area has fresh air, vast space, and a beautiful natural environment, and it’s impressive that several event venues are concentrated in one place.” He specifically noted, “Seeing the snow today, we can foresee that there won’t be a shortage of snow here in the future.”
It is reported that after returning to Beijing from Zhangjiakou, the two experts will also conduct an on-site inspection of the Olympic Park venues and Olympic Village planning, and will communicate with the Chinese Biathlon Association to learn about the development status and plans of biathlon in China. The inspection will conclude on the 23rd.