After his Olympic bid collapsed, biathlon legend Martin Fourcade blasts the organizing committee

Biathlon icon Martin Fourcade says he went through a difficult period after failing to become president of the national organizing committee for the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. Speaking to L’Équipe about six months after stepping back from the process, Fourcade described the outcome as “painful,” adding: “I was hurt. I don’t want to hide it.”

The 2030 Games are set for Nice and the French Alps, and Fourcade was initially seen as a leading candidate. However, his vision came into conflict with key politicians, notably over the precise selection of venues. “I didn’t want to lie to myself,” said the 37‑year‑old, explaining that he could not accept certain compromises.

Fourcade emphasized that environmental and nature protection should be central, foundational elements of Olympic planning, not add‑ons introduced mid‑project to make plans acceptable. “The Winter Olympics must belong to the mountains and to the people who live there every day,” he said. While he did not consider the French bid inherently “ecological nonsense,” he felt the approach needed to be stronger.

He characterized his withdrawal as a “conscious decision.” Although he believed he could contribute meaningfully to the project, he was unwilling to accept every compromise being asked of him. In late February, former freestyle skier Edgar Grospiron was appointed to lead the committee.

The episode took an emotional toll on Fourcade. He said the aftermath brought “some difficult months,” during which he needed to step back, spend time with loved ones, and regroup before re‑emerging publicly.