French Alpe 2030: I am not surprised but a little disappointed… French people divided by the probable relocation of speed skating to the Netherlands

The Cojop announced on Monday that it is entering into exclusive discussions with the Thialf site in Heerenveen, Netherlands. While hosting competitions abroad was part of the initial plan, French team athletes regret not being able to fully experience their Games at home.

Published on 12/05/2026 at 16:07, the decision marks a significant step in selecting the Netherlands as the host country for the Olympic speed skating events in 2030. The options considered were Thialf in Heerenveen and Turin, Italy, which required costly renovations. The idea of a temporary rink in France was suggested by some French athletes but was excluded from the French Alps bid.

Expressing disappointment, French athletes feel that not having the Games in their home country is a missed opportunity for a magical experience. They reflect on the success of the temporary Milan site, where Dutch athletes dominated the podium.

Acknowledging the Netherlands’ expertise in speed skating, the French team accepts the decision but hopes for a “home advantage” during the upcoming events. Plans include relocating the French Olympic team’s base from Inzell, Germany, to Heerenveen for better training conditions and familiarization with the Thialf rink.

Negotiations will focus on securing favorable time slots for French skaters at Thialf, ensuring fair competition. Despite some reservations about the weather and terrain in the Netherlands, athletes look forward to the long-term visibility and potential legacy of competing there.

While some see the decision as a setback for the development of speed skating in France, others view it as a strategic partnership opportunity with the Dutch federation. The hope is that success in the Netherlands will strengthen France’s future position in long track speed skating.

Although an on-site rink in France for 2030 is not feasible, the possibility remains for future projects beyond 2035. French success in the Netherlands could pave the way for achieving this ambitious goal.