Annecy Announce Extra Funding and Craig as Bid Consultant

Annecy, the underdog in the bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, received a US$3.2m boost yesterday, February 2, on the eve of a crucial visit from inspectors.

The funding increase comes as the government look to play down suggestions that they have not shown enough financial backing to the bid after former chief executive of the Annecy bid, Edgar Grospiron quit in December claiming underfunding issues.

Charles Beigbeder has since replaced the outgoing Grospiron and is more optimistic, hoping to announcing a bigger cash injection into the bid following negotiations with several major firms. 

Beigbeder stated in an interview with the Associated Press: “I have several other projects with private companies which need to be finalised. The money doesn’t make everything but it’s important to promote the bid.”

When speaking of the impending visit from IOC officials the bid chief added: “We can’t win the Games during this visit but we can lose them. They are coming to check that we can actually host the Games. We will be auditioned 16 times over four days and we need to be super-professional.”

In an effort to boost their bid, Annecy have also appointed Britain’s Andrew Craig as a consultant. Craig previously worked on winning bids for Vancovuer 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014. 

“Of course we can’t bet all our money on him, but it’s certainly an extra something for us. Promotion is really important and we need to use the best people,” Beigbeder said.