Vancouver 2010 officials admit postponements are likely

From James Toney, Sportsbeat, in Vancouver

AFTER more than 15 years of planning, preparation and hope, Vancouver 2010 officials are learning a valuable lesson the hard way. No matter how thorough your best laid plans or how effective your crisis management, you can' predict the weather.

BATTLING ELEMENTS: An Olympic worker shovels snow in heavy fog prior to the women's downhill training run at Whistler Creekside. The practice was later cancelled after two skiers completed the course (Getty Images)

Rain and heavy fog have been causing difficulties across a range of training venues, including the already beleaguered Cypress Mountain, the venue for the snowboarding and freestyle skiing events, and Whistler Creekside.

Saturday's blue riband men's downhill and the women's moguls are both in doubt after three-day forecasts - which hint at further mild weather and heavy rain - caused organisers more pre-Games headaches.

"Weather has not been our friend and it continues to challenge us and the forecast for the next few days is not good," admitted Vanoc sports director Cathy Priestner Allinger.

"The biggest unknown in our planning was always the weather because we can't control it.

"Historically at Winter Games there are always delays and postponements and we've planned for that and we are ready.

"However, our number one goal remains getting an event off on the day it is planned. However, we have contingency days in our schedule."

Vanoc delivered their final report to the 122nd IOC Session today and were buoyed by news that over 500,000 spectators were expected to watch the Olympic torch enter the city ahead of tomorrow's opening ceremony.

"We're feeling fairly tense but that's good because it helps you rise to the occasion," said chief executive John Furlong.

"Tomorrow is a big day for us and something we've waited a long time for. I believe we are ready. There is a smile on the city and it feels pretty good."

Meanwhile, Furlong has cautioned against spoilers ahead of tomorrow night's opening ceremony. 

Already the internet is buzzing with rumours following last night's dress rehearsal at BC Place, with Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky the red-hot favourite to light the cauldron.

"There is speculation floating around that is completely inaccurate," added Furlong

"Our goal is to have a stirring night on Friday and we would rather people didn't try to ruin it.

"People want to be surprised and we believe we have a great show, with a great story.

"It's fun to speculate about who will light the cauldron and carry the flag but this is a precious thing and we need to let those behind the show deliver it."