IOC’s Baumann praises Paris bid

IOC evaluation commission chairman Patrick Baumann praised Paris’ vision for the Olympics as he wrapped up a three-day visit to the French capital Tuesday. But Baumann stopped short of giving hints on whether Paris will host the games in 2024, or four years later. As the International Olympic Committee currently assesses the possibility of awarding Paris and Los Angeles the next two Olympics in September, Baumann said he was impressed by the sense of history at the heart of the French bid.

Many landmarks would be used if Paris wins the games. The road cycling races would finish at the Arc de Triomphe, taekwondo and fencing competition would be staged inside the Grand Palais, equestrian next to the Versailles Castle, and beach volleyball at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Los Angeles and Paris are the only two bidders left for the 2024 Games, which will be awarded in September. But the IOC is looking into the prospect of awarding the 2024 and 2028 Games at the same time. Paris has made clear it is interested only in hosting the 2024 edition.

“We have two candidatures that do not present major risks,” Baumann said. “Both cities have an Olympic tradition, venues ready to use and dedicated teams. They have a totally different historic and cultural background. The two cities have a different vision and IOC members will have to decide between the two.”

In Cologne, Germany, the United States came back three times to hand Russia its first defeat 5-3 and top Group A with its sixth straight win at the hockey world championship. Kevin Hayes scored two goals.

The Rams added depth at center, claiming Austin Blythe off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. Blythe, 24, played at Iowa and was a seventh-round draft pick by the Colts in 2016. He played in eight games last season.