Annecy's campaign has been overshadowed by financial concerns and a well-organised local opposition and they are continuing to struggle for support in the city.

The latest figures published of a poll conducted between May 19 and 31 show that 91 per cent of the French public support the bid and 88 per cent regionally.

But significantly that figure drops to only 67 per cent in Annecy.

That is 16 per cent higher than when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) conducted a similar poll during the Evaluation Commission earlier this year but still significantly lower than the 92 per cent recorded in Pyeongchang, the favourites.


French officials tried to put a gloss on the figures by claiming "given Annecy 2018's focus on youth, the bid is particularly well supported amongst 15 to 24-year-olds, with figures of 96 per cent nationally, 89 per cent regionally and 78 per cent locally".

Charles Beigbeder, Annecy 2018 President, claimed that the results gave him confidence that they could beat Pyeongchang and Munich when the IOC votes on the host city at its Session in Durban on July 6. 

"The support of the French public is driving us on in this bid and we are grateful for their efforts every day of the campaign," he said.

"This latest poll reflects the high-levels of public support as does our large and active Facebook community which has over 135,000 members.

"It is clear there is a strong belief in our vision of authentic Games in the heart of the mountains, with the athletes and for the future.

"This has been embodied by our 600 official athlete supporters including football World Cup winner, Zinedine Zidane, Olympic champion Marie-Jose Perec and basketball star Tony Parker.

"These figures have given a huge boost to everyone working tirelessly on the bid.

"In the next few weeks we will all be doing everything we can to convince the IOC that Annecy 2018 would be the best possible partners for the Olympic Movement to benefit Winter sports not just in one city, country or continent but all over the world.

"We fully believe we can be victorious in Durban and are sure the French public will be urging us on every step of the way."

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