Russia reassures visiting IOC officials that luge track for 2014 Sochi games will be safe

Russia promises a safe luge track for Sochi games

SOCHI, Russia — The Russian Cabinet member responsible for preparations for the 2014 Sochi Games has reassured visiting International Olympic Committee officials that the luge and bobsled track will be safe.

Russia is anxious to ease concerns following the death of a Georgian luger on a practice run during the Vancouver Games in February.

Dmitry Kozak says an Austrian company hired to study the blueprints has confirmed that the track conforms to safety standards. But changes can still be made once construction begins if experts consider them necessary.

Kozak spoke Thursday as an IOC commission wrapped up its first inspection tour since the Vancouver Olympics. The commission’s chairman said Wednesday they were “on most accounts very satisfied” with the preparations.