London's Ladbroke group is officially accepting wagers on
who will get the IOC nod to host the 2002 Winter Games, according
to today's SALT LAKE TRIBUNE.  Oddsmaker Paul Austin is said to
be "particularly sweet" on Salt Lake City making it a 2-to-5
favorite (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 6/15).
     POSTURING BEGINS:  In Montreal, Pat Hickey reports that the
Quebec delegation is confident.  Quebec City Mayor Jean-Paul
L'Allier: "Everything was in place for the bid. ... We have the
financial support of two governments and the private sector.  We
also have tremendous public support"  (Montreal GAZETTE, 6/15).
Salt Lake City Olympic Bid Committee Tom Welch President:  "This
particular campaign, for the '98 Games and now for 2002, started
in '85.  Over the last 10 years, we've all aged -- some more than
others" (John Jeansonne, N.Y. NEWSDAY, 6/15).  Representatives
from Salt Lake City's 2002 Olympic Bid Committee are working to
"appear laid-back and relaxed" before the IOC vote on Friday,
according to the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE's John Keahey.  Welch:  "They
already know who they are going to vote for, why trip and fall
now with the finish line a few steps away?" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE,
6/14).