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French Alps 2030 CEO Cyril Linette resigns following internal turmoil

Editorial Team
/ 2 min read
Cyril Linette and Edgar Grospiron at a press event for the French Alps 2030 Winter Olympics bid

Cyril Linette has resigned as chief executive of the French Alps 2030 Winter Olympics organising committee following a period of internal governance instability.

Organisers confirmed the departure on Wednesday after the decision was formally acknowledged during an executive board meeting last weekend.

The exit follows a reported public dispute between Linette and the committee’s chairman, Edgar Grospiron.

Leadership tensions escalate

Grospiron, a former Olympic freestyle skiing champion, had been involved in an open conflict with the outgoing chief executive.

Organisers stated the resignation reflects a desire for “new momentum through renewed governance” as the project enters a critical stage.

The organisation has been hit by a wave of high-profile departures in recent months.

Chief operating officer Anne Murac and communications director Arthur Richer have also left their posts.

Bertrand Méheut, who oversaw the remuneration committee, is another significant figure to have stepped down.

Logistical challenges ahead

Global attention has shifted to the 2030 event following the conclusion of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games on Sunday.

The French Alps bid faces a demanding schedule to prepare for the spectre of the Games.

A unique geographical split is planned, with snow sports in the mountains and ice events in Nice on the French Riviera.

Cost-cutting measures mean speed skating will likely take place outside France to avoid new construction expenses.

Existing venues such as the Thialf Arena in the Netherlands or Turin’s Oval Lingotto are being considered.

A definitive map of the host sites is expected to be finalised by the end of June.

Despite the administrative upheaval, officials remain outwardly confident regarding the delivery of the Games.

“The stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to the success of the 2030 French Alps Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

The committee added that the collective priority remains the “continuation of the work already underway”.