Venues being built for 2014 include an 'Ice Palace'

Planning for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi is on schedule, according to the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC's co-ordination commission concluded a three-day trip to the Russian city on Thursday.

Commission chairman Jean-Claude Killy said: "We have been impressed by the quality of the work that Sochi 2014 and its partners have presented to us.

"Sochi 2014 is delivering on its promises to the athletes, and preparations remain on track."

Members of the commission visited the sites of several Games venues - including the Olympics Stadium - as well as meeting with Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin to discuss the progress.

Former Olympic ski champion Killy added: "As they reach the halfway point in their preparations, we can see the progress that is being made.

"Sporting venues are rising from the ground, new sections of road are being used by the public, and environmental initiatives are being undertaken."

The Frenchman said, though, that "a number of areas require careful monitoring" as work continues.

"Here we are talking about construction, workforce recruitment and training, and the co-ordination of Games operations," he said.

"Each of these areas is key for any Games, and Sochi 2014 is no exception. But the organisers have underlined to us that they know that they must pay close attention to these areas, and I am sure that they will not let us down."

The co-ordination commission will pay another visit to Sochi in March.

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