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While the Olympic trails of Tofane shimmer beneath the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, the scene changes abruptly when you turn around.

There is a cacophony of noise as piles of gravel are dug up, tractors grind down muddy access roads and contractors buzz around like busy bees just meters from the finish area, with action set to begin in three days.

In Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, preparations for the Winter Olympics remain visibly unfinished, underscoring the pressure organizers face as the curling tournament begins on Wednesday and the first women’s downhill training is scheduled for Thursday.

The chaos reflects a wider pattern in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where organizers won one time trial but lost another.

The brand new sliding center was completed ⁠just in time for the opening of the Games, despite pressure from the International Olympic Committee several years ago to move the events to an existing site overseas to save time and money.

In contrast, the cable car intended to transport spectators to the women’s Olympic alpine skiing events at Tofane will not be ready in time, prompting organizers to request the ⁠temporary closure of schools in Cortina to reduce pressure on the Dolomites’ already strained transport system.

“Do we have every space finished? No. But nobody’s experience will be tainted by something that needs to be painted or carpeted after the Games,” Olympic Games chief executive Christophe Dubi said on Sunday.

“Everything the athletes need is absolutely done. Do we have any more work? Yes. Cleaning? Yes. Work inside and out (do) to make it beautiful. The work is frantic, but it started very late.”

IOC president Kirsty Coventry, however, said “we are where we need to be”.

Milano Cortina’s organizing committee did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The competition takes place from February 6 to 22 in the most extensive Games in Olympic history with nearly 3,000 athletes from 93 countries spread across six Olympic villages across 22,000 square kilometers in northern Italy.

They will compete in 116 disciplines on ice and snow, in eight sports and 16 disciplines.

WATCH | Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson are Canada’s flag bearers:

Olympic winners Kingsbury, Thompson named Canada’s flag bearers

Olympic veterans Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson were named Canada’s flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Games on February 6.