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Sebastian Coe has suggested that cross-country running and bike cyclocross could well be introduced in the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, representing what may become the most significant overhaul of the Olympics in decades.

Potential Inclusion of Indoor Sports

Sebastian Coe also confirmed that shifting select indoor sports—such as martial arts—to future Winter Games is being discussed as part of the IOC’s recent “forward-looking” plans, aimed to maintain the Games current.

Increasing Optimism for Approval

Coe has long argued for cross-country’s presence in the Games. However, the openness of IOC head Kirsty Coventry to explore innovative methods, coupled with the endorsement of UCI president David Lappartient, has made him confident that it will be approved.

“In my view it’s likely it will occur,” said Sebastian Coe. “And I think, it has arrived just when needed, since Kirsty Coventry is without a doubt ready to explore alternatives about the lineup, and what could go out of the stadium, and that blend of winter and summer.”

Proposed Location in the Alps of France

Coe revealed that there was already the cross-country and cyclocross competitions to be staged on the identical route in the French Alps.

“It’s come from a discussion I had with David in the cycling world,” explained Sebastian Coe. “I’ve always hoped to see off-road running back in for all sorts of reasons. Some reasons are sentimental. However it also provides African nations a significant presence in the Winter Games, which, if we are being honest, it doesn’t really have.”

“Moreover using the same course in 2030 with bike cyclocross is truly the direction we are heading. There have been good discussions.”

Regulatory Changes and Winter Sport Classification

“David’s up for it. I’m up for it. Naturally with the IOC changes are needed to a modification in the charter, since it has to be on snow and ice, and recently there has been little plenty of snow and ice in recent times. But it is, officially, a cold-weather event, and cross-country could bring more sense in the winter.”

IOC Task Force and Upcoming Choices

Coe’s remarks hold influence given he sits on the IOC’s new Olympic programme task force, which has been charged with looking at the size of the Olympics, approaches for events to be added or removed, and if conventional summer or winter disciplines could be exchanged.

“Kirsty has asked a select individuals to examine different elements of accelerating some of this stuff,” said Coe. “And several major resolutions need to occur in the coming year.”

Arena Events in Cold-Season Games

Coe stated that the discussions cover the possibility of host certain arena events in the Winter Olympics instead of summer Games as has been the norm.

“I am a big judo fan,” said Sebastian Coe. “I visit the premier competition in Paris in February. With available arena spaces and indoor sports, you could certainly mix them up. There’s no reason why not. It’s going to take a new approach. It’s going to take a revised broadcast revenue split, among other factors. However I believe each of these is being considered, which is a welcome step.”

Outdoor Competitions in Upcoming Olympics

Sebastian Coe also shared that he was in talks with LA organizers about hosting certain track and field competitions outside the central arena at the 2028 Olympics.

“My goal is further disciplines out of the main venue,” said Coe. “We talked about this with the IOC’s sports head, Pierre Ducrey, the last week, and I said: ‘Listen, we support to this.’”

Sebastian Coe highlighted the instance that thousands of spectators had been captivated by viewing athletics disciplines in outside the Opera House in Zurich at the latest Diamond League final as providing a successful example.

“We wanted to see more of our events away from the main arena in Paris. They were keen originally, and then, it seems they looked at the expenses and all sorts of things. However with proper planning, I believe it adds value, absolutely. Moreover I know Los Angeles is more willing to taking certain events outside of the stadium.”