Edgar Grospiron resigns from France's 2030 Olympic project

Edgar Grospiron is no longer leading the organising committee for the 2030 Winter Olympics in France, ending a 19-month tenure marked by persistent governance tensions. His departure follows pressure from the French state, the Southern and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, and the Olympic and Paralympic movement.

The 57-year-old former moguls skier submitted his resignation before the executive bureau meeting held in Décines on Thursday. The committee formally accepted it and recognised his commitment to the project. Grospiron, who was not present at the meeting either in person or by video, had been appointed after biathlete Martin Fourcade declined the role.

His position weakened after an attempt this summer to install Xavier Blecker as operations director and Blandine Vinagre-Rocca in charge of the executive unit was rejected. The former Albertville 1992 Olympic champion later described that episode as a setback, but disagreements over the project’s management continued. He follows former director general Cyril Linette among the senior figures to leave the organisation.

An extraordinary general meeting on Monday is expected to confirm an interim structure. New director general Vincent Roberti will assume responsibility until a replacement president is appointed. Grospiron said he had reached the point where handing over was more appropriate than remaining in office, rejecting the idea that his resignation should be viewed simply as failure or surrender.