(ATR) The head of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) is not surprised that Paris has joined Rome in fighting to host the 2024 Olympics.
"It was a planned rival," Giovanni Malago told the Contatto News.
"I always thought that [Paris] would be a candidate."
Malago said he has the "highest respect" for Paris, like fellow 2024 bidders Boston and Hamburg.
The Paris city council approved the bid on Monday. France President Francois Hollande plans to meet with IOC chief Thomas Bach this week to discuss the next step in the process.
The CONI chief also reiterated his belief that the Rome bid must fit the city, both financially and environmentally.
"The frame of the application must be made in full compliance with the environment, or you should not even think about going forward … There will be gigantism - or use of land - but only exploitation of what already exists."
Malago did not tip a favorite when asked about the race.
"One hundred divided by four is 25 percent."
CONI Sells Equestrian Venue to State
The Italian National Olympic Committee has sold off one of the venues from the country’s last Summer Olympics.
The Equestrian Centre of Vivaro hosted equestrian events at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. It has been closed for two years.
CONI is seeking a site to build an equestrian venue in the city as part of its bid for the 2024 Olympics.
The mayor of Rocca di Papa, site of the venue, called the sale "a day of mourning."
"I am disappointed that it all happened in our total knowledge," Mayor Pasquale Boccia told Roma Today.
"We need, however, to understand which path should continue to be taken [and] aim to redevelop the center of Vivaro … in light of the fact that the discussion now moves to other stakeholders.
"We are disoriented but even more determined in our goal to save the history of the center and its future," Boccia continued.
The mayor said he has plans next week to talk with CONI president Giovanni Malago, director of state property Roberto Raggi and Italian equestrian chief Vittorio Orlandi.
Written by Nick Devlin
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