The Olympic flag has returned to France, signaling the commencement of preparations for the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps. The Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region and the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) welcomed the flag and their returning delegation in Albertville, a city with a rich Olympic history having hosted the Winter Games in 1992.
Fabrice Pannekoucke, president of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes regional council, described the event as "a moment full of enthusiasm, part of the momentum building up to the 2030 Games." This follows the ceremonial handover of the flag on Sunday during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Games in Verona.
France achieved its most successful Winter Games performance in Milano-Cortina, securing 23 medals, including eight golds. Athletes like biathlon mass start Olympic champion Oceane Michelon expressed excitement about sharing this success with French fans.
The organizing committee faces internal challenges, including recent resignations and reported "irreconcilable differences" within its leadership. Despite this turbulence, Games chief Edgar Grospiron stated, "We're working...When you aim high, it inevitably makes the difficulties greater, but I won't compromise on our vision."