Russian city bids for world speed skating meet

Moscow: The Russian city of Kolomna is bidding to host the 2016 world single distance speedskating championships.

The city, a short drive southeast of Moscow, is a renowned speedskating centre and plays regular host to top-level international competitions such as a leg of this season`s World Cup and the 2008 European all-around championships. "We`ve submitted the relevant documents," said Alexei Kravtsov, the president of the Russian Speedskating Union. "Kolomna`s bid has received preliminary approval." Next year`s Winter Olympic capital Sochi staged this season`s championships, and Dutch city Heerenveen is slated to host the 2015 edition. IANS