The latest highlight in Bavaria's packed calendar proved the perfect platform for Munich 2018 to continue spreading its Festival of Friendship message to winter sports fans in Germany and beyond, German officials claimed.

Chair of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee, Katarina Witt, and its chief executive officer, Bernhard Schwank, sped into today's medals ceremony via the legendary Königssee track itself, driven in a Munich 2018-branded bobsleigh by former World Champion Matthias Höpfner.

Three of Munich 2018's potential competition venues - the Olympic Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen's 'Olympiaschanze' ski jump and the world-famous track in Königssee - have now staged three Olympic-standard World Cup competitions in just six days, testament to the region's enduring affinity with the winter sports movement.

Witt underlined the galvanising effect hosting these world-class competitions is having on Munich 2018's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, saying: "We are only six days in to 2011, but already we have demonstrated that, when it comes to staging elite winter sports events effectively, efficiently and in a safe and secure environment, Bavaria is second to none.

"Just as importantly, the last week has given the Olympic family a taste of the Festival of Friendship we hope to offer in 2018 - buzzing stadia filled with passionate, knowledgeable fans, a warm, celebratory atmosphere in and around all the venues and an experience athletes and fans will never forget."



The 7,500 fervent fans at the Königssee Sliding Centre yesterday and today mean this week's Luge, Ski Jumping and Alpine Ski World Cup events have attracted a combined attendance of nearly 55,000.

With continent-wide television audiences in the tens of millions, winter sport in Bavaria is in a strong position.

However, Bernhard Schwank emphasised that this is only the beginning.

"The passion for winter sport in Germany is plain to see, especially when we have the chance to stage world-class events such as this," he said.

"If Munich 2018 is selected to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this passion would reach unprecedented levels and help us to drive the Olympic Movement to new heights.

"The Winter Games are the ultimate celebration of winter sport, and with the unparalleled organisational experience and expertise Munich 2018 offers, together we can awaken a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts in Europe and beyond."

The FIL Luge World Cup was the first event to be held on Königssee's newly-refurbished and modernised track.

The venue has been updated over the course of the past year to ensure it remains at the cutting-edge of performance and safety.

Munich 2018 sports ambassadors Natalie Geisenberger and Felix Loch were both competing, Geisenberger taking first place in yesterday's ladies' event.

Each athlete also took the opportunity to highlight to their fellow competitors the unique experience of competing in front of a full house in Bavaria.

It has been a busy and highly productive start to the New Year for the Munich 2018 Bid Committee.

As well as maintaining a highly visible presence at each of the last week's successful competitions, final preparations are being made for the submission of Munich 2018's Candidature File on January 11.


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