WHISTLER, B.C. — With one year to go, Winter Olympic spirit hit this alpine community today as the official Olympic torch and torch-bearer uniforms for the 2010 Games were unveiled before hundreds of boisterous, warmly-clad enthusiasts.
The long, curving, sleek white torch was designed by Bombardier to withstand the rigours of Canada's wintry climate and to represent lines carved into the snow by alpine skiers.
The torch was not lit for the official unveiling, but designers said its brilliant orange flame will unfurl like “a flag fluttering in the wind” when carried on its 106-day, 45,000-kilometre journey across the country.
According to Bombardier, the 94-cm long torch, weighing 1.6 kilograms, will burn for at least 12 minutes, using a blend of fuels such as propane and isobutene.
The company, an official Olympic sponsor, will manufacture an individual torch for each of the 12,000 torchbearers taking part in the run, the longest route in a single country in Olympic history.
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