Skiing: Cortina awarded 2021 world championship

(ANSA) - Cortina d'Ampezzo, May 4 - The Italian resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo was named as the host venue for the 2021 Alpine skiing world championship by International Ski Federation (FIS) on Monday. Cortina, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, finally prevailed after four failed bids to host the championships of 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
    FIS said Cortina's bid was the only one it accepted for the 2021 championship.
    "The commitment that we had taken to ensure that Cortina was the only candidate was respected, now we will have a year or more to work with even greater force," said Flavio Roda, president of the Italian Federation of Winter Sports. Organizers hope the 2021 event will help to boost Cortina and the surrounding area in the northern corner of the Veneto and return it to its former glory days when it was better known as a key venue for international winter sporting events.
    Cortina still stages speed races for the women's World Cup ski events and has hosted FIS's European Cup snowboard-cross championships as well as Tour de Ski cross-country world championships.
    "Finally we collect the fruits of long and serious work, this is an historic achievement," said Mayor Andrea Franceschi.
    "By accepting our candidacy as the only (bid), FIS confirmed the value of our project," added the mayor.
    The community supported the official bid via a referendum that saw about 60% support with 44% of eligible voters taking part.
    "Justice has been done," added Veneto Governor Luca Zaia. In order to host the World Cup in 2021, Cortina d'Ampezzo must make significant investments in infrastructure and race tracks.
    Improved facilities for the world media are also needed.
    Giovanni Malago, president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said that the 2021 events will be "even better" than what had been planned for 2019.