The eighth visit of the International Olympic Committee coordination commission to Sochi has concluded with chairman Jean-Claude Killy praising the local organisers of for the notable progress they have made.

During the three-day visit, the commission paid visits to a number of the future Olympic venues, including the sliding centre, ski jump facility, cross country/biathlon area and the coastal cluster.

The Commission was pleased to note that most of the venues are either nearing completion or are already in use.

With over 20 Sochi 2014-organised test events scheduled over the course of the winter, the venues and other Games infrastructure are set to receive their greatest assessment to date.

Sochi 2014 president Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted that the lessons learnt during London 2012, as part of the IOC Observer Programme, have also helped his team fine-tune their operational readiness preparations ahead of the Games.

“The venues have come a long way in a relatively short period since our last visit here, and we congratulate deputy prime minister Kozak and Olympstroy for their work,” said commission Chairman Killy.

“We have also been impressed with the advances made in hotel construction and, in particular, transport. It all bodes well for a successful season of test events ahead, as well as for a great legacy left behind for the local population.”

The commission reviewed all aspects of preparations for the different client groups, including athletes, International Federations, National Olympic Committees, spectators, the Paralympic Games and the media.

Having conducted a detailed examination of Sochi 2014’s operational plans, the commission said it was confident the organisers were firmly on schedule to deliver top-quality Games for all stakeholders in 2014.

President of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee Dmitry Chernyshenko noted: “We are currently focused on delivering the most robust test event schedule in the history of the Winter Games, with 47 different test events this season alone to check the venues and surrounding infrastructure to ensure we’re 100 per cent prepared.

“We are already making great steps, having this month held the Federation Cup figure skating tournament at the Iceberg Skating Palace. Located in the Sochi Olympic Park, the event was the first test in the coastal cluster, and the venue attracted high levels of praise from the athletes competing.”