Thu Feb 9, 2006 MADRID (Reuters) - The Spanish Winter Olympic team have got off to an unfortunate start to the Games with several members of the 31-strong squad still waiting for their luggage to turn up after arriving in Turin Monday.Competitors were left without skis, snowboards and cases after their luggage was lost on departure from the newly opened terminal at Madrid's Barajas airport, Spanish media reported on Thursday.
"Things haven't started well for reasons that have nothing to do with the competition," the head of the Spanish Olympic Committee Alejandro Blanco was quoted as saying by sports daily Marca.
"It's sad that we are arguing about something like this before the Games .... They are looking for the luggage in Madrid."
Spain's only realistic medal hope is skier Maria Jose Rienda, who is competing in the giant slalom event. She is not expected to arrive in Turin until Friday.
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