You're reading: RIA Novosti: Russian Olympic Chief says St. Petersburg ‘Serious Contender’ for 2024

MOSCOW, November 16 (R-Sport) - The head of Russia's Olympic Committee said Saturday that St. Petersburg would be a "serious contender" to host the 2014 Summer Games.

Even before Russia hosts its first Winter Olympics in Sochi next year, talk has already turned to a possible St. Petersburg bid for the Summer Games another decade away. As the Sochi torch relay visited St. Petersburg late last month, the idea was pushed by mayor Georgy Poltavchenko, who said his city could be an Olympic host “in the very near future.”

And on Saturday, Zhukov said any chances the city had hinged on Sochi’s success.

“St. Petersburg can be a serious contender to stage the 2024 Olympics,” he said. “At least we need to be thinking about it. Although we can only take active steps [towards a bid] after successfully holding the Winter Games in Sochi.”

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