“What is difficult should be done right away. What is impossible should be done tomorrow. But the 2018 Olympics in Nice, that’s possible.” Christian Estrosi believes in it. Proud of his project, the pre-candidacy file, and the facilities, the mayor of Nice talks about the many assets of his city and its surroundings. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the second busiest French airport. The capacity to host athletes and tourists in hotels and restaurants is excellent, just like the transport network of the department, which is, by the way, owned by the General Council. The departmental authority owns eleven winter sports resorts in the Alpes-Maritimes. Nice 2018 Union Alpes-Méditerranée has the backing of a hundred French athletes who have dominated international podiums. The French Riviera has several economic advantages. With a substantial range of activities, it is home to France’s second-largest scientific research hub. The tickets for the Turin and Beijing Games were made by a company in the Riviera.
Nice has a serious chance. Dominique Estève, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, speaks of a “fantastic opportunity,” adding that “the whole region is involved.”
“Redress the insult of London to Paris”
If Nice’s candidacy seems solid, so are the others. “We are on equal footing,” comments the mayor, who hopes to win against Annecy, Grenoble, or Pelvoux to defend France’s chances. But if the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) picks one of these three cities as a candidate to host the Olympics, the former athlete will proudly represent it. “I am a patriot. We must redress the insult Paris suffered at the hands of London, while having a better file. We have a historic chance to make France win!”
On January 21, 2009, the four French candidates will submit their files to the CNOSF, which is set to make its decision in March.
