FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2014 file photo taken with slow shutter speed, athletes pass by the Olympic rings during the men's 50K cross-country race at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. The Sochi Olympics placed tenth on Google's list of 2014's fastest-rising global search requests, the company said Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014.(AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky, File)The Associated Press
The IOC has highlighted serious challenges facing the two bids for the 2022 Winter Olympics, including pointed concerns over Beijing's air pollution and lack of natural snow and Almaty's budget risks and limited experience in hosting major events.
The International Olympic Committee issued a 136-page report Monday that assessed the bids from the Chinese capital and the Kazakh city, citing strengths and weaknesses of both candidacies.
The report by the IOC evaluation commission did not rank or grade the bids or make direct comparisons.
Almaty was portrayed favourably for its winter setting, natural snow and compact layout. Beijing was praised for its high-quality venues, reliability and experience from hosting the 2008 Summer Games.
While the report did not include any major surprises, it did not hold back in listing drawbacks for Beijing, widely considered the favourite.