Austria's chancellor will be on hand for 2014 vote

Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer will travel to Guatemala to back Salzburg's bid in the IOC vote on the host city for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

VIENNA, Austria — Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer will travel to Guatemala to back Salzburg's bid in the IOC vote on the host city for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
    Salzburg is competing against the Russian city of Sochi and Pyeongchang, South Korea. The winner will be selected on July 4 at an International Olympic Committee assembly in Guatemala City.
    Gusenbauer, a Social Democrat, will be joined by other officials, including Salzburg Mayor Heinz Schaden and Salzburg Governor Gabi Burgstaller, Schaden told The Associated Press on Monday.
    Austrian President Heinz Fischer will not be part of the delegation, the Austria Press Agency reported.
    In a report issued earlier this month, the IOC's evaluation commission described Salzburg's concept as ''excellent'' but also highlighted several shortcomings.
    Russian President Vladimir Putin is reported to be considering traveling to Guatemala for the vote.
    The presence of British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the IOC session in Singapore in 2005 was seen as a key factor in London's victory for the 2012 Summer Games.

    — The Associated Press