Horst Seehofer was accompanied by over 100 hand-picked fans as Munich put the finishing touches towards going head-to-head with Pyeongchang and Annecy tomorrow.

With most punters predicting a close race between the German and South Korean candidates, Seehofer hoped Munich's emphasis on a green Games could swing the balance.

Munich's slogan is "A Festival of Friendship" and Seehofer said: "I'd love our high-calibre bid to convince those who take the decision.

"We will have friendship among the athletes but also we want to be friendly to nature, maybe the most environmentally friendly Games that have ever taken place."

Munich 2018's Fan Flight also brought with it 15 sports ambassadors and Seehofer said the sense of unity could not be stronger.

"There is an excellent team spirit, the kind I would wish for sometimes in German politics," he said.

"We respect all our co-bidders but we have tried to communicate the advantages of our bid.

"We have all the infrastructure, all the transport.

"All I can do is keep my fingers crossed."


Seehofer said the fact that Munich staged the Summer Games in 1972 would have no negative impact on the bid.

"Bavaria is the heartland of winter as well as summer sports," he said.

Asked whether he expected the vote to be decided in the first ballot, Seehofer, a seasoned politician as well as former handball expert, said he would nott dare make a prediction.

"I have not met anyone who can predict the outcome," he said.

"Yes there is tension but we are also quite relaxed because we've done whatever we can."

Munich 2018's roster of ambassadors in Durban have amassed 51 gold, 13 silver and nine bronze Olympic and Paralympic medals.

Two of those belong to alpine skiing legend Markus Wasmeier.

"There's a real sense of anticipation now," said Wasmeier.

"Don't forget people were skiing around Munich as far back as 1870."

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