By Duncan Mackay in Lausanne
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

June 23 - Annecy's chief executive Edgar Grospiron (pictured) today began the big task of trying to resuce their faltering bid to stage the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) warned them that they needed to review their sports plan concept.


The French city were shortlisted, along with Munich and Pyeongchang, but were warned that they could be axed if they do not change their plans and make them more compact.

Grospiron returned home from here to meet with local and national officials about how they can make the improvements that the IOC have demanded, including reducing the number of stand-alone venues and making accommodation for the athletes more simple and convenient.

Grospiron said: "We thank the IOC for studying our applicant file and are conscious of the high level of their expectations.

"We are leading the French Olympic project and France’s ambition to be a major player on international scene, in terms of sports events organisation.

"Our project was created taking into account a network of resorts and promoting the diversity of the venues throughout our region.

"We are more determined than ever to do everything possible to offer exceptional Games, in the heart of the mountains, serving the Olympic ideal.

"Therefore, we are working on readjusting our project, as suggested by the IOC.

"Thanks to the great potential of our region, first winter sports destination in the world, we have the possibility to rapidly offer a solution which will come closer to the IOC’s desires.

"In the meantime, everyone will celebrate this decision in Annecy during the Olympic Day festivities."

Jean-Luc Rigaut, the Mayor of Annecy, said: "It is foremost an honour and also a great pride to learn that the IOC has selected Annecy as a Candidate City for the organisation of the 2018 Games.

"The IOC considers that we have great potential to organise the 2018 Winter Olympics.

"Of course, we will immediately take into account the IOC’s recommendations concerning the general implantation of the venues."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2010: Annecy, Munich and Pyeongchang all in race for 2018 Olympics
June 2010: All 2018 Olympic bidders set for next stage
May 2010: France Euro 2016 success gives Annecy Olympic bid hope
May 2010: Annecy 2018 signs up another sponsor
May 2010: Annecy 2018 honours local Olympic medallists