Bid cities chase 'magic formula'

2004-11-15 11:02

Paris - The most expensive bidding battle in Olympic history begins in earnest on Monday when five of the world's most recognisable cities attempt to win the right to host the 2012 Olympics.

The final bid books, supplying minute details of how each city plans to put on sport's most glittering prize, have to be delivered to the IOC's marbled headquarters on the edge of Lake Leman by Monday.

And their arrival heralds the start of an intense international campaign to win over the hearts and minds of the 120-odd IOC members who will declare the winner in Singapore on July 6.

Paris, London, New York, Madrid and Moscow will leave no stone unturned in their quest for the 2012 Games but the strict new bidding rules restricting contact with members imposed by the IOC's ethics commission following the Salt Lake City scandal is clearly going to add to the problems facing them.

A straw poll recently carried out by AFP amongst IOC members revealed that Paris is in front but they added that the race was far too close to call.

"A lot can happen between now and July," said one experienced European member. "I don't think how the cities stand today gives much of an insight into the final result."

Chasing the French capital are London and New York, with Madrid and Moscow further back according to IOC members.

The five cities face a minefield of potential bid-wrecking problems during the next eight months: a badly-chosen phrase; an ethic rule bent too far; a misreading of a situation can all prove fatal.

Toronto's failed bid for the 2008 Olympics faltered when the city's major joked about his planned trip to Africa to win over IOC members, saying he was afraid of being boiled alive and eaten.

The pro-Beijing supporters utilised the gaff to the hilt and Toronto were left to rue what might have been.

For London, Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow the secret will be to find the magical potion that can sway votes.

Earlier this month IOC president Jacques Rogge admitted that emotion and sentiment will play a huge part in July's decision, declaring that no one doubted that any of the 'big five' could deliver a technically superb Olympics.

London bid chief Seb Coe has no doubt a key ingredient will be winning the trust of the IOC members.

"They have got to feel comfortable with you, know that you understand them. Demonstrate you are not a stranger. The members have got to be able to trust you," Coe said.

Paris CEO Philippe Baudillon knows that the technical side alone will not be enough to land 2012.

"There is also the emotional side. It is important to have good relations between the IOC members and the bid team," he explained.

- AFP