Organizers of the 2030 French Alps Olympics have confirmed the departure of chief executive officer Cyril Linette following weeks of internal conflicts. The executive board formally acknowledged his exit during a meeting last weekend.
Reasons for Leadership Change
The decision stems from ongoing tensions between Linette and Edgar Grospiron, the former Olympic champion freestyle skier who chairs the organizing committee. Organizers described the move as a collective push for “new momentum through renewed governance” as the project enters a critical phase.
Recent months have seen escalating issues, including multiple high-level resignations. These include chief operating officer Anne Murac, communications director Arthur Richer, and Bertrand Méheut, who led the remuneration committee. The conflict between Grospiron and Linette marked the latest challenge in a series of disruptions affecting the bid.
Commitment to the Games
Organizers stated, “The stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to the success of the 2030 French Alps Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.” They emphasized that “the collective priority remains the continuation of the work already underway in service of the project.”
Unique Challenges and Timeline
The French Alps Games face one of the tightest timelines in modern Olympic history. Like the current Milan Cortina Olympics, events will split between snow sports in the mountains and skating in the snow-free French Riviera resort of Nice.
Speed skating competitions are set to occur abroad at existing venues, such as Turin’s Oval Lingotto or Heerenveen’s Thialf Arena, to avoid costly new construction. A final venues map awaits approval by the end of June.
