Munich have been trailing in the race behind Pyeongchang, who are bidding for a third consecutive time and are promising to open up new markets in Asia if they are awarded the Games.

"If I were to speak from my heart I would tell you this is the fourth Olympic bid from Germany in recent years," said Bach, President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and vice-president of the IOC.

"It is not about how many bids you have had before, it is only about the merits of the present bid.

"Old bids only answer questions of yesterday, they do not answer questions of today.

"But this decision today is about the merits and only the merits of the 2018 bids."

Bach then subtly claimed that the question that the IOC members had to answer was whether they wanted to strengthen the foundations of winter sports or open "New horizons" - Pyeongchang's bid slogan.

"Today is about the question of whether now is the time to explore our new territories again or time to strengthen our foundations, he told the audience.

"We have been longing to host the Winter Olympic Games for more than 80 years.

"Today is about the questions we will all face tomorrow.

"It is about the sport tomorrow and the society of tomorrow.

"This is a sport driven bid.

"Can Olympic Winter Games be organised in a sustainable way?

"Yes.

"The legacy of Munich 2018 will not be jeopardised by any white elephants.

"Is the election of the host really about sport and the athletes?

"Yes."

If Munich is successful, it would be the first city to stage both the summer and winter Games with many of the 1972 Olympic venues used for ice events and snow competitions held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1936.

Any IOC members struggling to cope with the early start were given a wake-up call by Willy Rehm, part of the official delegation on the main stage alongside German President Christian Wulff and football legend Franz Beckenbauer, who, dressed in traditional Bavarian attire, gave a short yodelling performance.

"What does it all mean?" said Katarina Witt, the chair of Munich 2018.

"Tradition matters as much as innovation for us.

"It means that no event is complete without the right knowledgeable fans who cheer for everyone and a celebrating city filled with pure Olympic joy and spirit."

Witt, who appeared in a short video showcasing the opportunities to shop and relax, also claimed that choosing Munich would give the athletes the best exposure.

"Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen will provide such a stage," said the double Olympic skating gold medallist.

"We are not just promising full stadia, we are guaranteeing full stadia.

"Like a painter who brings a white canvas to life with his colours.

"Like a musician who needs her notes to find the right melody.

"Or like an architect who has to have vision to create a wonder.

"It takes the right stage for an athlete.

"To complete their own work of art.

"To turn it into their own unforgettable masterpiece."

Beckenbauer, who captained and coached Germany to World Cup success and was head of the Organising Committee for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, said that even though he had achieved so much, he had missed out on representing his country at the Olympics.

"I am now happy to be on the team to bring the Olympics to my home town of Munich - I might train cross country skiing and then make the team...as a volunteer," he joked.

"I invite you to say 'yes' to Munich and then come to our wonderful city," Beckenbauer told the IOC.

Christian Ude (pictured), the Lord Mayor of Munich, meanwhile, promised plenty of beer if his city were chosen by simulating the tapping of a famous Oktoberfest keg.

"I'd love to tap a big one with you tonight!" he enthusiastically told the members.

Bernhard Schwank, the chief executive of Munich 2018, claimed that they would provide the first-ever carbon neutral games.

"'They will be a friendship to nature," he said.

Schwank also claimed that there were several financial benefits to hosting the Olympic Games in Munich.

"Forty per cent of the total Olympic revenue comes from the Winter Games and of this, 50 per cent is provided by German companies," he said.

"Can you imagine what would happen if Germany hosts the 2018 Games?

"Every country, every continent would benefit.

"There would be added value for everyone.

"Munich offers a stage that will resonance all over the world."

Wulff claimed that it was all about inspiring young people to dream.

"Every child in Germany grows up with a sled, my children are no different," he said.

"We promise emotional and enthusiastic Games.

"Germany is united behind the bid.

"Everybody supports it wholeheartedly.

"We are reliable partners and already have shown our Olympic solidarity.

"Let dreams come true."

Witt later declared herself "delighted" with the response the presentation received - but admitted she was happy the pressure was finally off.

"I think the IOC's attention was uninterrupted," she said.

"It was a special day we had worked towards for two years and we are now first of all relieved it is over."

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