Sochi buildup has been negative : security threats , gay-rights protests , corruption claims . But another narrative appears : Russia 's bid to forge a new identity through sport . that carve smooth pathways down the otherwise unpredictable surfaces ; they are fantastic stages for sporting competition . The country is trying to become the global leader in sports and its athletes are being groomed for future Olympic glory by their coaches. `` World 's most expensive road '' is nothing short of an engineering marvel .
Sochi buildup has been negative : security threats , gay-rights protests , corruption claims . But another narrative appears : Russia 's bid to forge a new identity through sport . The country is trying to become the global leader in sports and its athletes are being groomed for future Olympic glory by their coaches. `` World 's most expensive road '' is nothing short of an engineering marvel .