This week, a delegation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was present to evaluate the candidacy of the French Alps.
The International Olympic Committee has completed visits to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and PACA regions to evaluate the venues that could host the 2030 Winter Olympics. Their last stop was in Nice, where a press conference was held. The candidacy of the French Alps is somewhat revolutionary, as it allows several regions to submit a joint bid, represented by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and PACA regions. “We want to bring a new vision with the 2030 Winter Olympics,” said David Lappartient, the president of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee.
Nice is expected to be able to host the ice events at four venues, which are: the Allianz Riviera, the M.I.N., the Palais Nikaïa, and the Palais des Expositions. The OGC Nice stadium, the exhibition center, as well as the Palais Nikaïa will be transformed into ice rinks for hockey, figure skating, short-track, and curling. Finally, the M.I.N. will be transformed into the Olympic village.
A Budget Limit
The issue of the budget frequently came up. David Lappartient, president of the CNOSF, responded to inquiries. He announced a provisional budget for the 2030 Olympics of two billion euros. “We want it to be a controlled cost, within the framework of an organizing committee with two billion euros.”
They wish to capitalize on the legacy of previous Winter Olympics held in France by investing in the old infrastructures of 1924, 1968, and 1992, which are still operational. For example, David Lappartient mentioned the bobsleigh track in La Plagne, which would represent 150 million in savings. “No extravagance, no big construction, no excess. What was built 30 years ago is still functional. We will invest in it only to improve,” he added to support his point. This model is more or less based on that of Paris 2024.
Karl Stoss, president of the Austrian Olympic Committee, impressed by the French bid, admitted that “the buildings need to be refurbished, but the investment is not colossal. We are very confident in delivering the Olympics to you in 2030.” The next key step is scheduled for June 12, when, being convinced, he will submit the French candidacy to the International Olympic Committee for the final vote on July 24.
