IOC again visiting Sochi to inspect 2014 Winter Olympics prep

SOCHI, Russia (AP) -- With the Olympics less than a year away, IOC inspectors are visiting Sochi again to check on preparations for the 2014 Winter Games.

The IOC coordination commission, headed by Jean-Claude Killy, began two days of meetings and site visits Tuesday in the Black Sea resort.

It is the panel's ninth and second-to-last trip to Sochi before the opening of the games on Feb. 7, 2014. Russia is spending more than $50 billion on venues and infrastructure projects to prepare for its first Winter Games.

Also taking part in this week's meetings are leaders of the seven winter sports federations on the Olympic program.

The IOC says talks will cover games operations, the torch relay, technology and the "client experience" for athletes, national Olympic committees, spectators and media.