Chicago 2016 gains momentum

<p> As the 2008 Beijing Olympics fade into memory, it appears as if Chicago is the current front-runner for the 2016 bid over Rio, Madrid, and Tokyo thanks, in part, to a low-key approach. </p> <p> One unnamed IOC source told the Tribune, &quot;It's Chicago's to lose ... If they don't muck it up, they should win.&quot; </p> <p> Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky tried to downplay Chicago as a favorite, saying, &quot;We think it's still far too early in this race to identify any city as the front-runner, with four world-class cities in the race, all with compelling campaigns.&quot; </p> <p> The final vote for the 2016 Olympics will occur on October 2, 2009. </p>