Cyclocross could be an Olympic sport in 2030, on snow

Cyclocross could be closer than ever to making its long-awaited Olympic debut. The candidacies of La Planche des Belles Filles and Besançon to host the discipline at the 2030 Winter Games have revived this aspiration. Although this possibility has been raised before, this time there is concrete support, a symbolic location, and a real opportunity.

Cyclocross could be in the 2030 Winter Olympics

The region of Haute-Saône, in eastern France, has officially presented its candidacy to host the Olympic cyclocross events in the surroundings of La Planche des Belles Filles, the mythical ascent popularized by the Tour de France. The proposal includes using this mountainous environment to design a technically and visually spectacular circuit, adapted to the winter conditions required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Former professional cyclist Thibaut Pinot, a native of the area, has publicly shown his support and even joked about coming out of retirement: "In February 2030, I will finally achieve my victory at La Planche des Belles Filles."

But for cyclocross to enter the Winter Olympic program, it must meet a fundamental requirement: be contested on snow or ice, whether natural or artificial. This rule has been a key obstacle to its exclusion in the past, although recent events, such as the World Cup in Val di Sole, have shown that it is possible to compete in winter conditions.

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Not everyone is convinced. The late Gian Franco Kasper, former president of the International Ski Federation and IOC member, went as far as to describe the idea as "ridiculous," arguing that the Winter Games should be limited to sports practiced exclusively on snow or ice.

The French candidacy has significant support, including that of UCI President David Lappartient and former French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, directly involved in the organization of the 2030 Games. Former rider Lucie Lefèvre has also expressed her support, stating that "it makes no sense to organize a cyclocross event in southern France, where there is no tradition of this sport. We are four hours away from Belgium and the Netherlands, the two great strongholds of cyclocross."

The city of Besançon, close to the Alps and with previous experience in organizing World Cups, has launched its own alternative proposal. Both locations could meet the IOC's requirements if the weather or artificial snow production is guaranteed.

What will happen now?

The IOC must announce in February 2026 which disciplines will be added to the 2030 Olympic program, which will be held in the French Alps. Cyclocross competes with three other disciplines to secure a place on the calendar. The location of La Planche, further away than other Alpine venues, could work against it, although its promoters insist that its symbolism and sporting experience more than make up for the distance.