Cyclocross at La Planche des Belles Filles? Olympic bid could make it a reality

Well, well, well. here’s a sentence you probably never expected: cyclocross at La Planche des Belles Filles. But if the 2030 Winter Olympic Games organising committee in France has its way, that could soon become reality.

According to L’Équipe, a formal bid has been submitted to include cyclocross as part of the Olympic programme. with La Planche des Belles Filles as the proposed venue. It's an idea that combines one of road cycling's most iconic modern climbs with the fast, muddy chaos of cyclocross.

La Planche is etched into cycling history. It’s the place where Tadej Pogacar stunned Primoz Roglic on the final time trial of the 2020 Tour de France. In 2022, the 'Super' version of the climb pushed even higher, adding gravel to the punishment, and once again Pogacar was the first man on top. But no one could have imagined it hosting Olympic cyclocross.

Now, that vision is gaining momentum. The bid has drawn backing from major figures, including UCI President David Lappartient and former French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who sits on the 2030 Winter Games organising committee. Barnier recently attended the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships in Liévin and was won over by the atmosphere. “I was very impressed by the popular success of cyclocross,” he said.

It’s easy to see why the French are keen. As event co-ordinator Jean-Pierre Lefèvre puts it, “We are located just a four-hour drive from Belgium and the Netherlands, where cyclocross culture is robust. We know how to make it work; it will be a grand celebration.”

If successful, this could open the Olympic door to a generation of stars, and maybe even a familiar face. Mathieu van der Poel won a record equalling seventh cyclocross world title earlier this year. By 2030, he’ll be 35. Whether he’s still racing or not, the chance to chase Olympic gold in cyclocross would complete the set for a rider who’s already competed in Olympic road and mountain bike disciplines.