Jean-Claude Killy, IOC officials inspect Sochi Olympic venues

With the games less than a year away, IOC inspectors are paying their latest visit to Sochi to check on preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The IOC co-ordination 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 penultimate trip to Sochi before the opening of the games on Feb. 7, 2014. Russia is spending more than $50 billion USon 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.