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24 March 2007, 20:03. Elbrus, all programs »

Sochi, Russia, March 24, 2007 – Russian climber Maxim Shakirov and his team of alpinists yesterday reached the top of Mt. Elbrus, located in the Caucasus Mountains overlooking Sochi, where the team raised the flag of Sochi 2014, Russia’s bid to host the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games.


Mt. Elbrus, Europe’s tallest peak at 5,642m, is the third peak scaled as part of the teams expedition to raise the Sochi 2014 flag on the highest peaks across five continents. Already completing expeditions in South America (Aconcagua - 6,962 m), Australia (Kosciuszko - 2,228 m) and now Europe, the team is well on its way to the two final stops at Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), in Africa and Asia’s Mt. Everest (8,848 m).

Team leader Maxim Shakirov commented:

“As we prepare to embark on our two final expeditions to the famed Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Everest, we continue to support Sochi 2014 and raise its flag around the world as the bid continues to reach new heights in its efforts to bring the Olympic Winter Games to Russia for the first time ever. Sochi’s flag flying atop the highest mountains of the continents is testament to our shared excitement and enthusiasm with Russians throughout the nation who believe in the strength of Sochi’s bid. Sochi 2014 has shown true determination to offer the Olympic family and the rest of the world a technically excellent and once-in-a-lifetime Games experience.”

The team embarked on its worldwide trek in January, and plans to raise the Sochi 2014 flag atop the highest peaks of five continents by July 4, when the 119th IOC session will meet in Guatemala to select the host city for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.