Olympic leader laments Hamburg vote to withdraw from 2024 bidding

The leader of the International Olympic Committee on Monday expressed disappointment over the public referendum that abruptly ended Hamburg’s campaign to host the 2024 Summer Games.

“This is a missed opportunity for Hamburg and Germany,” IOC President Thomas Bach, who hails from Wurzburg to the south, said in a statement.

Slightly more than 51% in the German port city voted against the bid this past weekend.

Cost continues to be a primary issue for the Olympics; in recent years, numerous cities have backed away from potential bids because of public concern about the billions of dollars required to host the massive sporting event.

As one of four remaining bidders for 2024, Los Angeles has proposed a budget that could exceed $6 billion, though local officials predict that revenues and private-sector partnerships can more than cover costs.

The IOC has attempted to address money fears with its Agenda 2020, a reform package that, among other things, attempts to make hosting the Games more affordable.

Still, Bach said he believes that the 2024 bidders -- which also include Paris, Rome and Budapest -- are facing additional challenges.

A flood of refugees from Syria into Europe is “causing widespread feelings of uncertainty,” the IOC leader said.

Also, recent doping scandals involving Russia and the international track federation have further damaged the image of amateur sport.

Though saying he regretted the decision by Hamburg voters, Bach sounded a hopeful note for the 2024 bidding process as it proceeds toward a 2017 vote.

“The IOC is proud to have four strong candidate cities,” he said. “Budapest, Los Angeles, Paris and Rome are looking with anticipation to the future of their cities and to use the Olympic project as a catalyst for positive, sustainable and feasible development.”