By Duncan Mackay

Russian President Vladimir Putin today visited the Sochi 2014 Fisht Olympic Stadium ©Getty Images NewsNovember 29 - Russian President Vladimir Putin today visited the Fisht Olympic Stadium, the venue due to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Sochi 2014, during which he warned workers that they will have to work around the clock to ensure everything is ready - even if that means them having to sacrifice the New Year holiday.


The Stadium is one of several venues which still needs to be finished with only 70 days left until the the Games are due to open on February 7.

"It is not only evident to us, but to all observers too, that tremendous, high-quality work has been done," he told Sochi 2014.

"There are things that need to be accomplished, perfected at the final stage."

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the RusSki Gorki Jumping Center in the Krasnaya Polyana as final preparations for Sochi 2014 begin ©AFP/Getty ImagesRussian President Vladimir Putin visited the RusSki Gorki Jumping Center in the Krasnaya Polyana as final preparations for Sochi 2014 begin ©AFP/Getty Images

The New Year period is the main holiday of the Russian calendar and includes the celebration of Orthodox Christmas on January 7 - a month before the Games open.

"The New Year holidays are approaching," Putin told workers.

"For you and those working on Olympic sites, the New Year will come after the Paralympic Games end on March 17.

"For you, New Year will be on March 18."

Putin was accompanied on his tour of the Fisht Olympic Stadium, which is also due to host matches during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, by Konstantin Ernst, general director of state-run network Channel One, who has been closely involved in designing the arena to accommodate broadcasting requirements.

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