The likelihood of the Netherlands hosting the Olympic speed skating events during the 2030 Winter Games has increased, although the final decision by the French organizers remains undecided.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch skating news outlet, reports on the recent developments regarding the potential venues for the 2030 Winter Games.
It has been confirmed that long track speed skating will not be held in France itself, due to the lack of a suitable venue in the southern French region where the Games are scheduled to take place. The French organizing committee has maintained that constructing a temporary ice rink in the region is not an option.
Over the past year, a collaborative group from the Netherlands—including Thialf, the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF), the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Province of Friesland, the Municipality of Heerenveen, and the Royal Dutch Skating Federation (KNSB)—has supplied the French organizing committee with comprehensive information upon request. Just before the Milan Winter Games, the Netherlands formally submitted a fully completed questionnaire to the French side. Numerous communications have been exchanged regarding all aspects related to the possibility of holding Olympic speed skating competitions at the Thialf arena.
French delegations have visited the Netherlands multiple times, partly for consultations but mainly to assess the technical arrangements of the Thialf facility. The city of Turin remains an alternative venue option for the speed skating events in 2030. However, the organizing committee has indicated that discussions with the Netherlands are continuing at this time.
