London Latest - Stadium Bidding Reopens; "Unknown" Torchbearer Prediction

(ATR) Legacy plans for London Olympic Stadium will remain unclear for at least another eight weeks.

The London Legacy Development Corporation had been due to make an announcement about the showpiece venue on May 21 but instead revealed Monday morning that the bidding process is extended by eight weeks – and opened up to new bidders.

"We are determined to run a process that is fair to all and delivers the best possible legacy for the Olympic Stadium, LLDC CEO Andrew Altman said in a statement.

"We have been very encouraged by the quality of the bids so far. However, a number of issues have arisen during the process and we believe it is sensible to give everyone more time so they can be addressed.

"We want to make the process as competitive as possible and extending the competition period will allow all parties that registered an initial interest in the stadium another chance to bid."

One party seen as the front-runners for future tenancy was East London football club West Ham United. Its pledge to retain the athletics track, however, has come under criticism from fans who argue that would make the view sub-standard for modern football.

The latest delay means that the future of the stadium will not be secured when the Games open within on July 27. However, Altman maintained that following last week’s announcement about the timings of reopening Olympic Park, the conversion of the stadium would begin later this year.

"The fundamentals have not changed and it remains our intention to sign construction contracts for converting the stadium at the end of October, with the intention of re-opening in 2014 as previously announced," he said.

"This is a significant public asset and a 99-year lease, and it is right that we take the time now to get the best possible outcome for the stadium."

The Legacy Corporation has made a number of clarifications to its "Invitation to Tender" in response to issues that have arisen since its first issuance in January. It’s now understood that some requirements may have deterred interested parties from bidding. These include governing body approvals, technical improvements to the stadium and the opportunity to bid for the right to exploit the stadium naming rights.

Out of 16 interested parties, only four made formal bids. Whether the 12 who walked away will now be tempted to apply remains to be seen.

Ticketing Update

More London 2012 tickets are being released for people who failed to get tickets their first time around.

Around one million ticket hopefuls who failed in the first round of applications get the chance to apply again until 11 p.m. on Thursday.

Applicants will be able to go for tickets in athletics (race walk), athletics (marathon), canoe slalom, canoe sprint, shooting, swimming, volleyball, weightlifting and cycling (track).

Also available for application will be around 70,000 general admission tickets to Olympic Park from May 17.

The ticketing system came under criticism last year after the website crashed, and in some cases people were told they had secured tickets only to be informed later that they were actually sold.

Any tickets that remain unsold will go on general release from May 23. Even more tickets will be made available a few days later on May 29.

Unsold tickets to the Paralympics will be open for applications on May 21 with LOCOG yet to confirm the details.

Edwards Predicts "Unknown" Torchbearer

London 2012 ambassador Jonathan Edwards predicts LOCOG will choose an "unknown" to light the Olympic cauldron on July 27.

Bookmakers and sports gossip columnists are speculating as to which British Olympic champion will be given the special task of lighting the cauldron inside the stadium to open the London Games.

The main contenders mentioned are decathlete Daley Thompson and rower Sir Steve Redgrave – however, Edwards says he believes that London could surprise everyone by choosing a young unknown.

"I think it could surprise everyone. I think it could actually be a young unknown athlete from East London maybe,"he said Friday during the BOA fundraising gala at Royal Albert Hall.

"Throughout the London process, Seb [Coe] has shown that he is not afraid to go against tradition and I think this would definitely fit in with the message of the Games inspiring the younger generation."

Edwards held out little hope that he would be given the honor, saying he rated his chances at "a million to one".

"No Specific Terror Threat" for Games

British defense minister Philip Hammond says there is "no specific terror threat" for the London Olympics.

Hammond made the comments to the BBC on Sunday after a test of British military operations for the Games.

The plan came under fire when it was discovered missile embankments would be placed on apartment rooftops. However, Hammond said the military presence will be far less palpable.

"The idea now is that the military will fade into the background," he told the BBC.

"We don't want to dominate these Games.

"We want it to be a festival of sport and of culture, but the military will be there and we want people to know that the military are there in the background to provide ultimate reassurance."

Reported in London by Christian Radnedge

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