Curious coincidence of the calendar. Tuesday, December 3 in the morning, the daily L'Equipe published an interview with Thomas Bach in which the IOC President “ encourages France to present itself " at the Olympic games. The same evening, the American National Olympic Committee (USOC) held a press conference, closing its meeting in San Francisco, during which its president, Larry Probst, assured that the desire of the United States to present a bid for the 2024 Summer Games had already received a “ strong encouragement » from the IOC.

Conclusion: the IOC “ encouragement » all applicants to enter the race. A logical attitude. The abundance of applications can only give credit and prestige to the institution based in Lausanne and to its most coveted asset, the Olympic Games. In the future, the IOC's desire to attract even more cities to try the adventure should even be confirmed. Thomas Bach has made no secret of it: he wants to simplify, and make less expensive, the application process.

Concerning Paris, Thomas Bach was not nuanced. “ It's no secret: a candidacy from Paris would be a very, very strong candidacy, explained the German leader to our colleague Marc Ventouillac, the specialist in Olympic issues at L'Equipe. The Olympic world appreciates the charm of the city and France's enthusiasm for sport. I can only encourage France to present itself for 2024. It would truly be an exceptional candidacy (…) Well prepared, well presented, it would have every chance"

France heard it. But she still hesitates. François Hollande consults. Bernard Lapasset, president of the IRB and boss of the French International Sports Committee (CFSI), repeats that he is “ urgent to wait"

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Americans are already advancing their pawns. Larry Probst, the president of the USOC (and new member of the IOC), explained last night that the United States would be a candidate for the 2024 Games provided that they find a city capable of meeting all the criteria. “ A city that will be able to respond favorably to these questions: do we have the right message, the right technical file, the right leaders, the financial support of local authorities and the support of the government“, detailed Larry Probst.

To date, eight American metropolises have very officially expressed their interest in this candidacy race: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia, Tulsa, San Diego, Boston and Washington. A USOC delegation has already visited most of them, it will continue its “ inspections » in December and January. This small peloton should be significantly reduced after the Sochi Games next February. The USOC should then narrow its choice to a single candidate, probably at the end of 2014.

Four years from the vote, and a little less than two years from the submission of candidacies, the IOC can rub its hands: between Paris, an American city, Rome, Doha, Dubai, Durban, Istanbul and Toronto, the applicants, declared or possible, are already legion.