Lyon has less than four years to organize curling, figure skating, ice hockey and short track for the 2030 Winter Games in France after the International Olympic Committee approved changes.
Nice was due to hold some of the ice events but the new mayor of the city opposed a temporary venue in the home stadium of the local football club.
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A new cluster in Lyon has now been agreed, the IOC said in a statement following executive board meetings on Monday.
“Ice sports and disciplines – including curling, figure skating, ice hockey and short track – will be relocated to a new cluster in Lyon,” an IOC statement said.
“This evolution supports a more compact overall Games footprint and enables significant cost efficiencies, while maintaining a high-quality competition and athlete experience. The detailed allocation of venues within Lyon remains under development.”
Despite the 2030 Winter Olympics long having been awarded to the French Alps, the speed skating is set to take place in the Netherlands.
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The Dutch are huge speed skating fans and Thialf has been earmarked to host the 2030 Olympic events “pending completion of … discussions with venue owners.”
The IOC added: This follows the intention stated in the Alps 2030 candidature to make use of the flexibility allowed by the IOC and secure a venue outside France, given the absence of an existing one in the host country. Thialf is a world-class facility with strong public support, and offers favourable cost/revenue possibilities.”
Courchevel and Val d’Isère have also been confirmed as the two Alpine skiing venues.
