The Netherlands has never hosted the Winter Olympics. But that could change as early as 2030, thanks to France. On May 11, the organizing committee for the French Alps 2030 Games announced it was entering into a bidding process. exclusive discussions with the Thialf website "so that the speed skating events can take place in Heerenveen in four years. The Dutch option has therefore prevailed over the Oval Lingotto in Turin, the other venue considered by the COJOP."
A modern site, but steeped in history
The COJOP (Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games) has been careful not to offend anyone by stating that it has studied " two extremely strong candidates Turin has a geographical advantage: the capital of Piedmont is close to the Alps and 200 kilometers from Nice. However, its speed skating oval has not been used since the 2006 Turin Games and would require approximately €12 million in repairs, according to the Corriere della SeraThe Heerenveen site is further away, 1.000 kilometers from the mountain clusters, but offers sporting guarantees. It is, in fact, considered the Mecca of the discipline.
« The Thialf is often considered the heart of world speed skating. It is one of the most iconic and vibrant rinks in our sport. The venue underwent a complete reconstruction and modernization in 2017 and is recognized as a top-tier center dedicated to elite skating, offering world-class ice quality, athlete facilities, and event management. " a spokesperson for the site told Francs JeuxIn 2030, the Thialf will also celebrate its 175th anniversary. Hosting the Olympic speed skating events here would not only be a great honor, but also a symbolic step in this long tradition. »
"To best support France and the IOC"
The Thialf rink has a capacity of 12.500 seats, significantly more than the Milan rink, which could accommodate 7.500 spectators in February. It regularly hosts World Championships and World Cup events, ensuring operational expertise and top-level competition conditions. The Dutch public's enthusiasm for speed skating also suggests that tickets will sell easily, and therefore that the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee (COJOP) will also benefit financially. The COJOP may also have taken into account the fact that French skaters already train at the Thialf as part of a partnership with the Dutch federation.
« For the Netherlands, which has no mountains and therefore cannot host the entire Winter Games, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the French project while fully embracing the IOC's sustainable development strategy: using existing and proven venues rather than building new ones., the site's spokesperson points out. We would put our experience, our stadium and our skating culture at the service of the Organising Committee and the IOC, so that the speed skating events strengthen the identity of the French Alpine Games 2030. »
« We are deeply honored that the French Organizing Committee wishes to enter into exclusive discussions with the Thialf. We are fully aware that this is not a final decision, and we approach these discussions with humility and a strong sense of responsibility., she adds. Our priority is to demonstrate how we can best support France and the IOC in organizing sustainable, athlete-centered and memorable speed skating competitions, within the framework of truly French Games. "The coming weeks should allow us to finalize the matter and reach an agreement. A decision is expected on June 4th, at the next executive committee meeting."
