Overview
- After local referendums across the KölnRheinRuhr region in North Rhine-Westphalia, 16 of 17 municipalities backed a bid, but Herten fell short of the 15% turnout quorum with about 12.55% and is excluded.
- The mountain‑bike venue at Halde Hoheward is still in play as Recklinghausen offered to host alone and the Ruhr Regional Association said Herten’s failed vote does not automatically kill the site.
- Mülheim’s FDP/BAMH bloc filed a motion to check, on 4 May in the sports committee, if the city could build a substitute mountain‑bike course should the Hoheward plan stall.
- Hamburg’s debate has moved into the streets, with a 1,400‑person pro‑Olympia rally confirmed by police, the Left party voting to oppose the bid, and 200 Hansa‑Taxi cars now carrying “Spiele in Hamburg” stickers.
- The Senate published costings that project a €4.8 billion organizing budget covered by Games income plus about €1.3 billion in investments, with a city referendum on 31 May and the DOSB’s national pick due 26 September before any IOC call in 2027.