Barnier was a keen watcher of the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships in Lievin, France earlier this year, and whilst that particular race didn't have a wintery feel to things, the Frenchman was incredibly impressed by what he saw. “I was very impressed by the popular success of cyclocross," he comments with respect. "The Games must be popular.”
Barnier also already foresees a potentially captivating story to tell at a Cyclocross Winter Olympic battle. "The idea that
Tom Pidcock, for example, would be a medallist at both the Summer and Winter Olympics would be wonderful,” he previews.
Current
UCI President
David Lappartient is one of the leading contenders to take over at the helm of the Olympic Committee. Could that fact also be a big benefit for the hopes of cyclocross? Only time will tell but the signs are growing in positivity.