Wisconsin's Olympics Too

Cycling for Cheeseheads

Chicago 2016 organizers have always said an advantage to their plan over those put forth by their competitors was that the Games here would be "compact" and concentrated on the lakefront.

But what about Wisconsin?

On Monday, Gov. Jim Doyle from our neighbor to the north spoke to the IOC inspection team about cycling events that would be hosted in Milwaukee and Madison.

Doyle told the IOC that the cycling route was "spectacular."

According to AP, "Doyle said he also assured the committee the Madison area would be easily reachable from Chicago for fans and athletes. He said a high-speed rail system that links Chicago to Milwaukee to Madison and the Twin Cities should be operating by then for quick transportation throughout the region. He said the 150-mile trip from Chicago to Madison by rail would take about two hours.

"'They had been pretty well briefed that this is not a great distance,' said Doyle, who appeared in front of the team along with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn."

The Badger Herald reports that the University of Wisconsin "has been working closely with the IOC to address concerns regarding housing for athletes if Chicago is chosen. 

"A newly proposed Lakeshore dorm - slated to be complete in 2013 - would likely serve as the athletic housing for any Olympic athletes coming to the city."

The Badger Herald also notes that "According to Rachel Strauch-Nelson, spokesperson for [Madison] Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, final figures regarding the economic impact the games could have on the city have not been finalized, but the Games would likely have a positive impact on the city." 

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us