Paris Bercy 2011 : the beginnig of the final sprint – The European Athletics Indoor Championship

The final countdown to the European Athletics Indoor Championships from 4 to 6 March 2011 in Bercy has begun in earnest. Two weeks to the day. Not yet the final sprint for the organisers maybe, but it's already time to considerably pick up the pace. The ticket office, the reception of the various delegations, the fitting out of the POPB … Jean Gracia, general manager of the organisation committee, gives us a round-up.

With two weeks to go until the start of the European Athletics Indoor Championships, where are you at as regards fitting out the Palais Omnisport in Paris-Bercy?

Jean Gracia: The press room is already up and ready to go, as is the VIP area. The installation of the track began today, Friday 18 February. It should be completed by 26 or 27 February at the latest. On that date, the POPB will be fully geared up in an athletics configuration.

Is there a plan to get the organisation and facilities broken in before the start of the European Athletics Indoor Championships?

Yes. We're organising a general rehearsal on Thursday 3 March at 1800 hours, the evening before the start of the event. It will take the form of a minor competition gathering together regional athletes and supported by some real judges, real volunteers and a set protocol … Even the television stations will be in action. On that particular day, the delegations will be able to visit the POPB to get their bearings. On the morning itself, the sprinters will even have the opportunity to take part in a practice start session with a starter.

In terms of participation, what are the latest figures?

To date, we're still at the pre-registration phase, so it's only quantitative. The registered entries can be accepted through until 27 February. For now we're up to 633 athletes and 520 officials. Out of the 50 countries affiliated to European Athletics , 49 have planned to send a delegation. Solely Liechtenstein is likely to be missing.

On what date are the first delegations set to arrive?

The first team is likely to be Russia, with its arrival in Paris scheduled for 1 March. All the other countries will follow suit the next day, with the exception of Germany, where the bulk of its team isn't likely to be on site before Thursday 3 March. The delegations will be lodging at the three hotels which have been booked for them in advance: the Novotel and the All Seasons Bercy, right next to the POPB, and the Novotel Paris Est, Porte de Bagnolet.

Will the French team be able to enjoy some special treatment?

No. There are no groupings arranged beforehand. Furthermore, the delegation will be accommodated in one of the three pre-booked hotels, like the other countries.

What has been lined up for athletes who want to  train before and during the competition?

The athletes won't have access to the POPB for training. Jogging sessions and outdoor work can be done in the parks close to the hotels. For more technical sessions, the delegations will have free access to the INSEP indoor stadium upon their arrival in Paris.

With two weeks to go until the event, are you satisfied with the popularity of the event?

Yes. The two days from Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 March are already sold out. The tickets were sold quickly, throughout the different pricing categories. There are some places still for sale for Friday 4 March, however. The ‘supporters' packs are no longer available either so the event is a success. In fact I'd even go so far as to say that it's exceeded our expectations.

So the promotional operations for the European Athletics Indoor Championship have come to an end then?

No, quite the contrary. The poster campaign in the metro, involving some 195 posters, extends through until 22 February. A campaign involving some 350 posters in the Mairie de Paris network, which has been in place since 16 February and continues through until 1 March, rounds off this project.