23 Oct 2008

Madrid sells itself as the safe option for 2016 Olympics

7:15 am on 23 October 2008

Madrid's marketing itself as the safe choice to host the 2016 Olympic Games in the midst of the current global financial crisis.

The Madrid campaign says less than a year out from when the International Olympic Committee names the successful candidate for the 2016 Games, 70 percent of the work required to hold the games is in place.

Madrid is up against three other cities -- Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo -- with a decision to be made in early October next year.

The Spanish capital failed in its bid to host the 2012 Games, for which London won the right.