2023-12-11 14:45:35
Anger, incomprehension, determination and hope… In a few days, Val d’Isère went through all the emotions. At the beginning of December, the legendary resort was removed (like Isola 2000) from the map of sites envisaged by the French Alps project to host the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For reasons of logistics and rationalization of costs, the IOC, which decided to begin a targeted dialogue with the French candidacy, was rather attracted by a grouping of all the alpine skiing events in Courchevel and Méribel.
This weekend, on the occasion of the Critérium, the mayor of Val d’Isère, Patrick Martin, was able to discuss three times (one-on-one or with elected officials and professionals) with Laurent Wauquiez, president of the Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes region, which informed him last week that the Games would not go to the resort “at 90%”.
“Three times, Mr. Wauquiez reminded me that it was his personal wish that Val d’Isère be in the file and that today we are still there,” insists the Savoyard elected official. He also reminded me that it is the National Olympic Committee and the two regions leading the project (Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) which choose the places to include and exclude. Not the IOC. This is good news for us, it helps clarify things. A targeted and constructive dialogue will allow Val d’Isère, supported by the two regions, to put forward its arguments. »
Laurent Wauquiez, however, clarified that if the IOC puts the final attribution of the Games in the balance, it will be necessary to “make choices”. The station dear to Jean-Claude Killy, who declared himself “saddened and scandalized” by his possible absence in seven years, offers to host the men’s and women’s technical events (giant and slalom).
“We know how to do it,” continues the mayor, who also wrote to the government. There are things to be resolved on issues of mobility or welcoming athletes, but we have recognized experience in international events and infrastructure. We are aware that the Games have nothing to do with World Cups, but we can organize fluid, optimized and responsible Games and benefit the entire Tarentaise valley. This will be a legacy for the future. »
All that remains is to quickly roll up our sleeves for a first stage point set for January 15. “This candidacy for the 2030 Olympics came together quickly,” breathes Patrick Martin. I myself entered there on September 20. There should have been the Swedes and the Swiss (who have already been rejected). Finally, the real construction of the file begins now and we are still in the race. It’s not going to be easy because most of the Games take place over short distances. There was no more than 100 km to Albertville in 1992. Here we are more like 550 km. Hence the need to have the best possible distribution…”
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