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PARIS (AP) — The Mediterranean port city of Marseille will host the sailing events if Paris wins the bid to host the 2024 Olympics.
The Paris bid committee chose Marseille on Monday over five other candidates — Le Havre, La Rochelle, Brest, Hyeres and Quiberon.
Among the key points in Marseille's favor was the city's extensive experience in hosting international events, including matches during the 1998 World Cup. Accessibility for fans traveling from abroad and plentiful accommodation were also advantages.
Bid president Bernard Lapasset says Marseille has "the high-level technical experience and expertise" required along with a "beautiful Mediterranean backdrop."
Also bidding for the 2024 Games are Los Angeles; Rome; Hamburg, Germany; and Budapest, Hungary.
Paris last hosted the Olympics in 1924. The IOC will select the host city in 2017.
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