Valencia on tenterhooks as America's Cup decision looms

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

VALENCIA, Spain (AFP) — Valencia was eagerly awaiting an expected announcement Wednesday by organisers of the America's Cup to retain it as host city for the next edition, likely to take place in 2009.

The city on Spain's eastern seaboard staged a highly successful hosting this summer of the 32nd edition of sport's oldest international event and America's Cup Management (ACM) and politicians were to join the patron of Swiss holders Alinghi on Wednesday afternoon in announcing the tournament would return.

Alinghi's billionaire head Ernesto Bertarelli was due to join local and regional politicians as well as ACM top brass in making an announcement to that effect around 5.30 p.m (1530 GMT).

Valencia mayoress Rita Barbera and government delegate to Valencia...