2030 Olympic Winter Games Bids

[Quaker2001]

4 hours ago, FYI said:

That's why it was basically a rhetorical question. But the IOC does indeed care what the outside world thinks of them these days. Otherwise, they wouldn't be trying so hard lately in trying to control the narrative of telling organizing committees not to build certain venues/infrastructure if they don't need to in order not to overspend & avoid white elephants, so the general public in desirable places doesn't sour anymore on hosting the Games more than they already have. But if it wasn't for that thorn in their side right now, then yeah, they wouldn't really care.

Do they really care though?  Because it seems like they keep trucking along as if the world is rolling out the red carpet for them.  One would think that what happened with the 2030 bid race would have humbled them.  But then they re-open the process to invite new candidates in and here are 3 of them who, despite the accelerated timeline and what at time seems like a complete lack of accountability, are giving the IOC exactly what they need to make it seem like everything is okay.  I'm sure they know behind closed doors what a mess this is, but they don't have to admit that publicly.  Instead of being in a position where they have to beg Salt Lake to take financial concessions in order to be agreeable to 2030, doesn't seem like they're doing all the much to make things easier for bid cities/countries and certainly in the whole "beggars can't be choosers" concept, the IOC doesn't have to beg and it's very possible they'll be in a position to choose.

[Sir Rols]

44 minutes ago, Quaker2001 said:

Here are 3 of them who, despite the accelerated timeline and what at time seems like a complete lack of accountability, are giving the IOC exactly what they need to make it seem like everything is okay….

doesn't seem like they're doing all the much to make things easier for bid cities/countries and certainly in the whole "beggars can't be choosers" concept, the IOC doesn't have to beg and it's very possible they'll be in a position to choose.

But aren’t they? What are they basically asking for now from the three, besides a venue plan, a budget and a government guarantee? Which is basically the bare minimum needed to host a games. All those bids, when it comes to their venue and budget plans, are offering “no new builds” solutions across multi-region and even nationwide footprints and at least one of them seems likely to be actively looking for venues outside the country (which the IOC has actually been encouraging for a while and now insisting with Milan). It’s a far cry from the state they’ve become accustomed to in the past, and the price they’ve had to pay to make the games palatable for particularly western markets they used to be able to rely on. What less can they ask of them?

I agree with you, they’ve put themselves in a position where they’re now rushing the process and leaving themselves open to the associated risks of doing so, but you can’t  say they haven’t adjusted their expectations and requirements in order to appease public opinion. 

[FYI]

1 hour ago, Quaker2001 said:

Do they really care though?  Because it seems like they keep trucking along as if the world is rolling out the red carpet for them.  One would think that what happened with the 2030 bid race would have humbled them.  But then they re-open the process to invite new candidates in and here are 3 of them who, despite the accelerated timeline and what at time seems like a complete lack of accountability, are giving the IOC exactly what they need to make it seem like everything is okay. I'm sure they know behind closed doors what a mess this is, but they don't have to admit that publicly. Instead of being in a position to have to beg Salt Lake to take financial concessions in order to be agreeable to 2030, doesn't seem like they're doing all the much to make things easier for bid cities/countries and certainly in the whole "beggars can't be choosers" concept, the IOC doesn't have to beg and it's very possible they'll be in a position to choose.

Obviously not "care" in the genuine sense, but more so in the "well, if we have to" sense. I've been saying all along since the "new norm" came along, that if the IOC had their way, they'd be right back to the glory days of the old bid races in an Olympic sprint second, where the competing cities were throwing everything at them, including the kitchen sink. So IDK about still rolling out the red carpet for them, since it does seem like the IOC is very much in the begging stages (or at least the appeasing stages) these days in telling these cities NOT to throw in the kitchen sink this time around. And we'll find out soon enough at the end of the month, who the IOC feels will give them at least the bare minimum to continue on to "targeted dialog". 

[Quaker2001]

8 hours ago, Sir Rols said:

But aren’t they? What are they basically asking for now from the three, besides a venue plan, a budget and a government guarantee? Which is basically the bare minimum needed to host a games. All those bids, when it comes to their venue and budget plans, are offering “no new builds” solutions across multi-region and even nationwide footprints and at least one of them seems likely to be actively looking for venues outside the country (which the IOC has actually been encouraging for a while and now insisting with Milan). It’s a far cry from the state they’ve become accustomed to in the past, and the price they’ve had to pay to make the games palatable for particularly western markets they used to be able to rely on. What less can they ask of them?

I agree with you, they’ve put themselves in a position where they’re now rushing the process and leaving themselves open to the associated risks of doing so, but you can’t  say they haven’t adjusted their expectations and requirements in order to appease public opinion. 

I think I explained it wrong.  What I meant is that the IOC isn't going to these countries and offering them money or additional assistance in order to make it easier for them to push a bid through whatever political hurdles they might encounter.  Obviously that's not the usual strategy for the IOC, but these obviously aren't normal times.  At most, they're advising these countries on how best to handle things rather than to work directly with them, which is what the new norm seems like it's supposed to be about, case in point as you noted with Milan where they're taking a somewhat passive role rather than trying to make connections and suggestions.  Instead, it's all on the Milano-Cortina organizers to figure things out on their own after initial plans of 4 years ago (and subsequent replacement plans) have fallen apart.

You're 100% right that the IOC is more willing and accepting of spread out and multi-country bids.  That's less by choice and more a matter of necessity, especially with Winter bids.  And the result is that we're potentially looking at 2 straight games held in Europe, a concept that would have been almost unthinkable a few years ago.  Definitely credit the IOC with being progressive on that front, although again, it took every other bidder dropping out of the conversation for them to re-open the bid process after it should have been completed in order to try and find a host city/country.  And like you said, they're asking for the bare bones of a bid plan rather than in the past where you could only come to the IOC if you had something resembling a fully formed bid and were willing to go through a long drawn out process.  I hope they're still able to properly screen these candidates and make sure they find the right one.  That seems far easier said than done at this point.

[Quaker2001]

8 hours ago, FYI said:

Obviously not "care" in the genuine sense, but more so in the "well, if we have to" sense. I've been saying all along since the "new norm" came along, that if the IOC had their way, they'd be right back to the glory days of the old bid races in an Olympic sprint second, where the competing cities were throwing everything at them, including the kitchen sink. So IDK about still rolling out the red carpet for them, since it does seem like the IOC is very much in the begging stages (or at least the appeasing stages) these days in telling these cities NOT to throw in the kitchen sink this time around. And we'll find out soon enough at the end of the month, who the IOC feels will give them at least the bare minimum to continue on to "targeted dialog". 

How close at times in the past year has the IOC seemed like they were to having no choice but to go to Salt Lake in spite of all the hesitation and whatever arrangements both sides would need to make that palatable?  Instead, the IOC comes out and tells us "we're fine, we have 6 countries we're working with, even though we're not going to tell you who they are" and goes about business like everything is all fine and dandy.  Sure, they're being cautious with how those bids are presented, but that's probably as much just to get them pushed through moreso than having any country offering them the world.  They know that's not realistic, so we're not going to get a bid with promises of new construction.  Credit the new norm for that reform, but those days are long gone.  The red carpet comment was more about the bidders, not the IOC.  "Hey guys, you need a Winter Olympics bid?  Sure, let us slap something together for you, come and check us out, we can do this for you"

Again, think back to a year ago.  Could any of us have envisioned there would be 3 countries, let alone 3 European countries, engaging with the IOC?  How serious each of them are is another subject, but I don't think we could have anticipated how this would play out.  So it goes to my original point.. the IOC hasn't really faced the proposition of needing to go with 2030 in Salt Lake out of a complete lack of option.  For all the times that we said that Bach and company were privately panicking even if they didn't say it publicly, the reality is that they're probably not that worried.  Now if all 3 of Sweden, Switzerland, and France don't have the goods, then they might start panicking.  That doesn't seem likely to happen though

[AustralianFan]

Critical 2030 Winter Olympics Meetings on Tuesday 21 November 2023

• “As many as four or more Olympic and Paralympic bid meetings will take place Tuesday (November 21) and they could literally set the stage for almost a decade’s worth of Winter Games, but from the perspective of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) we don’t need to know about them.”
• “Arguably one of the most critical dates on the agendas for both the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games, the meetings have never been officially published by the IOC or the organizations vying to host the Games. If you’ve already heard about these meetings, it’s only because reporters have picked up the information anecdotally from sparse stakeholder interviews or press conferences.”

read on …..

 

[Sir Rols]

• “Arguably one of the most critical dates on the agendas for both the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games, the meetings have never been officially published by the IOC or the organizations vying to host the Games. If you’ve already heard about these meetings, it’s only because reporters have picked up the information anecdotally from sparse stakeholder interviews or press conferences.”

Hear, hear Rob. And sadly those reporters’ ranks are getting even sparser.

[Quaker2001]

33 minutes ago, Sir Rols said:

• “Arguably one of the most critical dates on the agendas for both the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games, the meetings have never been officially published by the IOC or the organizations vying to host the Games. If you’ve already heard about these meetings, it’s only because reporters have picked up the information anecdotally from sparse stakeholder interviews or press conferences.”

Hear, hear Rob. And sadly those reporters’ ranks are getting even sparser.

I've said many times over that there's a fine line between not getting information because something is being kept secret and not getting information because reporters haven't asked the questions yet.  This is concerning to me because it definitely gives the sense they don't want anyone to ask them questions.  So yes, good on ya Rob for not letting them get away with it.

[AustralianFan]

IOC Press Briefings announced next week 

- you won’t want to miss these re 2030 and 2034:

IOC Press Briefing – Day 1
Date: Wednesday 29 November
Time: 7 p.m. CET*

IOC Press Briefing – Day 2
Date: Thursday 30 November
Time: 6 p.m. CET*

The press briefings will also be live streamed on IOC Media YouTube.

[cfm Jeremie]

2030/2034 should be addressed on the first day (so 29th)

[AustralianFan]

19 minutes ago, cfm Jeremie said:

2030/2034 should be addressed on the first day (so 29th)

Defintely worth watching both.

As the EB is meeting in Paris, they might first consider on Day 1 how Paris 2024 updates, the Olympic Truce and visit to UN in the light of the current two conflict areas, ie Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Hamas.   

In the last few EB Meetings, they’ve tended to discuss 2030/2034 on the second day and given there is great potential of an announcement re elevating candidatures to Targeted Dialogue for two Olympic Winter Games during this EB Meeting, they will need more time to discuss both these before announcing.

So I’m tending to lean toward that we will hear something definitive and big on 2030 and 2034 on Day 2, 30 Nov once Paris 2024 issues are out of the way.

[cfm Jeremie]

No because the meeting is in Paris they want to evacuate 2030/2034 first thing as France is one of the stakeholder involved for 2030.

Paris 2024 will be addressed on the last day of the EB on December 1st.

[Quaker2001]

 

[yoshi]

...but they don't have shortlists now? Does that mean they'll actually be confirming Salt Lake 2034 & deciding/announcing which of the European pair get 2030? Because it sounds very much like they were just waiting for more solid backing from Sweden & now that seems to be there, it's go time! Is it even beyond the realm that they could give France 2038 as well? It'd all make a great deal of sense...

[Quaker2001]

2 minutes ago, yoshi said:

...but they don't have shortlists now? Does that mean they'll actually be confirming Salt Lake 2034 & deciding/announcing which of the European pair get 2030? Because it sounds very much like they were just waiting for more solid backing from Sweden & now that seems to be there, it's go time! Is it even beyond the realm that they could give France 2038 as well? It'd all make a great deal of sense...

They don't have a formal process.  Doesn't mean they can't tell us that certain cities are still in the running for 2030 and others are not.  No idea what we'll get.  And yes, it's beyond the realm they'll suddenly decide to award an Olympics 15 years away.  That would make very little sense

[AustralianFan]

1 hour ago, yoshi said:

...but they don't have shortlists now? Does that mean they'll actually be confirming Salt Lake 2034 & deciding/announcing which of the European pair get 2030? Because it sounds very much like they were just waiting for more solid backing from Sweden & now that seems to be there, it's go time! Is it even beyond the realm that they could give France 2038 as well? It'd all make a great deal of sense...

The new norm formal process is:

1. The IOC Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games reports to the IOC Executive Board and makes recommendations on which candidature/s should be elevated to Targeted Dialogue (preferred host/s) for 2030 & 2034 Games, 
2. The IOC will consider these recommendations and then expected to approve candidature or candidatures (Sweden, France &/or Switzerland) for elevation next week to Targeted Dialogue as preferred host/s for 2030 and then a candidature (Salt Lake City)  to Targeted Dialogue as preferred host for 2034.
3. The IOC EB then announces those elevated Targeted Dialogue candidatures at a press conference.
4. Then in the coming months, the IOC Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games then enters into  a detailed discussions with each candidature, including completion of the Future Host Questionnaire by that preferred host.
5. The IOC Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games then reports to and makes recommendations on that candidature/s suitability and put’s forward  recommendations on canddature/s for a Host Election.
6. The IOC Executive Board considers and then exoected to approve those recommendations and annoubces this at a later press conference.
7. Host Election - recommended candiatures make presentations to full IOC Session, a Q&A session and then Host Elections are conducted following which Host City Contracts are signed.

 

[Bear]

5 hours ago, AustralianFan said:

Defintely worth watching both.

As the EB is meeting in Paris, they might first consider on Day 1 how Paris 2024 updates, the Olympic Truce and visit to UN in the light of the current two conflict areas, ie Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Hamas.   

In the last few EB Meetings, they’ve tended to discuss 2030/2034 on the second day and given there is great potential of an announcement re elevating candidatures to Targeted Dialogue for two Olympic Winter Games during this EB Meeting, they will need more time to discuss both these before announcing.

So I’m tending to lean toward that we will hear something definitive and big on 2030 and 2034 on Day 2, 30 Nov once Paris 2024 issues are out of the way.

i don't think so, the IOC EB schedule has Paris 2024 activities listed for December 1 (which seems will not have a press conference), while the Future Host Commission is listed for November 29:

https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/News/2023/11/Schedule-IOC-EB-29-November-1-December-2023.pdf

If there is an announcement, it will probably come between 4:30 PM and 7 PM CET on November 29.

[Australian Kiwi]

6 hours ago, AustralianFan said:

 

As the EB is meeting in Paris, they might first consider on Day 1 how Paris 2024 updates, the Olympic Truce and visit to UN in the light of the current two conflict areas, ie Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Hamas.   

 

LOL their delusions of grandeur are laughable. 

[cfm Jeremie]

So the following people took from French Alps 2030 took part in the visio with the Future Host Commissions yesterday:

• David Lappartient, French NOC President and IOC Member
• Marie-Amélie Le Fur, French NPC President
• Amélie Oudéa-Castera, Minister of Sport and Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Laurent Wauquiez, President of Rhône-Alpes-Auvergne Region
• Renaud Muselier, President of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region
• Martin Fourcade, IOC Member and multiple Olympic champion in biathlon
• Marie Bochet, Multiple Paralympic champion in alpine skiing 
• Jean-Christophe Rolland, IOC Member and World Rowing President

Does anyone know the line-up of the other interested parties?

[Sigh]

17 minutes ago, cfm Jeremie said:

So the following people took from French Alps 2030 took part in the visio with the Future Host Commissions yesterday:

• David Lappartient, French NOC President and IOC Member
• Marie-Amélie Le Fur, French NPC President
• Amélie Oudéa-Castera, Minister of Sport and Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Laurent Wauquiez, President of Rhône-Alpes-Auvergne Region
• Renaud Muselier, President of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region
• Martin Fourcade, IOC Member and multiple Olympic champion in biathlon
• Marie Bochet, Multiple Paralympic champion in alpine skiing 
• Jean-Christophe Rolland, IOC Member and World Rowing President

Does anyone know the line-up of the other interested parties?

Swedish media was not interested in the issue. I have only seen von Uthmann (SOK president) mentioned in Swedish media. Latvians highlighted the participation of LOK. Kārlis Lejnieks if I remember correctly. The Latvians also mentioned Ms Wanngård, the head of the City of Stockholm executive. She thus gaine her moment in the spotlight after a last minute "support" for the games.

It appears that there was no representative of either government present but absence of information does not mean that there wasn't.

[AustralianFan]

Just in from Rob:

“The critical but short Zoom meetings were considered the final opportunity to convince the IOC’s Future Host Commission (FHC) that their bids should be included in the next ‘targeted dialogue’ phase of the bid process.”

• Stockholm 2030: “a spokesperson for Sweden’s bid set to be centered in Stockholm said the short morning presentation “focused on presenting our concept for the Games and our vision of the most sustainable Games ever.”
• “There was an update regarding the Swedish unified support from the regional and national politics, both the Swedish business and sport community, as well as the public.”
• France 2030: “Only the French Alps 2030 bid backed by regions from Nice to Haute-Savoie held an impromptu press conference following its thirty-minute virtual presentation to the IOC, being careful not to divulge too much information about the meeting itself.”
• “Few details were offered but French Olympic Committee president David Lappartient told reporters, according to AFP, “It went well, we presented it together, united, that’s the message we wanted to give.”
• Switzerland 2030: “President of the Swiss Ski Federation and Olympic Champion Urs Lehmann held a post presentation interview with Swiss press agency Keystone-SDA and made conservative comments as Switzerland’s bid waits for Sports Parliament approval in a vote scheduled Friday.”
• “We introduced ourselves to the IOC’s Future Host Commission. Now it is up to the sports parliament and the IOC to decide whether we can enter the next phase, namely that of targeted dialogue.”
• “This is the biggest milestone that lies ahead,” Lehmann said, cautioning that by next week only two other bids may remain for 2030 if Friday’s vote is unsuccessful.”

Rob’s full X post below:

 

[Sigh]

To be honest I don't think that the presentations on the 21th had much, if any, importance.

I assume they had made up their mind some tima ago with the Swedish government statement on the 12th nailing down their decision.

Of course, an unexpected rejection by the Swiss sports parliament of the Swiss bid could possibly change things.

[AustralianFan]

A Three Horse Race for 2030 !

How things have changed.

What a juicy 3-horse race this is shaping up to be for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games, especially consdering the very uncertain position we were in 12 or even 6 months ago as far as genuine 2030 bids goes.

With the Swiss Sports Parliament unaminously approving the Switzerland bid just in the nick of time, the prospects of three candidatures (Switzerland, Sweden, France) being elevated to Targeted Dialogue for 2030 is suddenly looking very bright indeed. 

 

[AustralianFan]

On 11/23/2023 at 6:35 AM, Sigh said:

To be honest I don't think that the presentations on the 21th had much, if any, importance.

I assume they had made up their mind some tima ago with the Swedish government statement on the 12th nailing down their decision.

Of course, an unexpected rejection by the Swiss sports parliament of the Swiss bid could possibly change things.

To be honest, I thought the Switzerland bid would be rejected by the Swiss Sports Parliament which makes this overnight news re the unaninous vote in favour of it all the more stunning.

3 Days to go now as the clock ticks down on the much anticipated announcement by the IOC Executuve Board on who is elevated to Targeted Dialogue for 2030.

Switzerland 2030 is right in this now alongside Sweden and France.

[cfm Jeremie]

Why on earth would you think the Swiss sport parliament would reject the bid? The people carrying the bid are more of less issued from the Swiss Sport Parliament (NOC, sports federations…).

What would have been stunning is the Swiss Sport Parliament rejecting the bid,,,