The addition of cyclo-cross to the Winter Olympics program has been discussed for years, and the UCI has also put in effort for it. The French publication L’Équipe reports that La Planche des Belles Filles has submitted its candidacy to host a cyclo-cross competition as part of the 2030 Winter Olympics, which will be held in the French Alps.
A total of four new sports will be added to the 2030 Winter Games, and cyclo-cross is said to have a strong chance of being among them. The discipline is favored by the support of UCI President David Lappartient, as well as the support of former French Prime Minister and member of the 2030 Winter Olympics organizing committee, Michel Barnier.
The competition would take place at La Planche des Belles Filles, which is often part of the Tour de France routes. L’Équipe claims to have seen the application document, which promises to offer an "unforgettable venue" that "guarantees a popular image for the Games."
The city of Besançon has also reportedly shown interest in hosting the cyclo-cross competition, but Lucie Lefèvre – wife of former cyclo-cross rider Steve Chainel and leader of the La Planche des Belles Filles project – seems confident in the success of her candidacy. "We are within a four-hour drive of Belgium and the Netherlands, where cyclo-cross culture is very strong. We know how to organize it – it will be a real celebration," she confirmed.
