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London • New IOC President Thomas Bach will travel soon to Rio de Janeiro to check on the troubled preparations for the 2016 Olympics.
Bach says he will make the trip to Brazil in "the next couple of months," warning that organizers have "no time to lose" in getting ready for the first Olympics in South America.
Bach says his aim is to "ensure seamless cooperation" between the local organizers and the city, regional and national governments.
Preparations for the Olympics, as well as next year's World Cup in Brazil, have been dogged by construction delays.
Bach, who was elected IOC president in September, wants to ensure the Brazilians of the IOC's stake in the Rio Games.
He says "I want to make this statement in person to demonstrate that the new president is behind these Olympic Games and that we are fully committed to make them successful."