Sawt Falasteen - Biathlon great Fourcade refuses to 'sacrifice convictions' for 2030 Olympics presidency

Despite the backing of the French government and sports federations, Fourcade highlighted "too many disagreements" for his decision not to head the organising committee for the Winter Games in the French Alps.

The five-time Olympic champion explained in a letter to the relevant parties and AFP his decision to step aside from the "challenge of a lifetime".

"Today the disagreements remain too numerous to be able to calmly consider this mission," Fourcade wrote.

"The mode of governance, the vision, the territorial anchoring: we have not managed to find common ground on these fundamental subjects."

The organising committee for the 2030 Games had initially been scheduled to be created this week in Lyon, but it has now been postponed until February 18.

"My ambition for these Games is clear: they must be in tune with the times, fully aware of ecological issues and anchored in the economic reality of our country," wrote Fourcade, who is known for his commitment to environmental issues.

"Also, organising these Games from a mountain area is essential in my view. Allowing each stakeholder to understand the specificities of today's mountains seems essential to me in order to fully understand the challenges specific to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This vision is not shared by all and I regret it," the 36-year-old added.

Fourcade made his World Cup debut in 2008 and won a record seven overall crystal globes, winning every year from 2012-18.

N.Awad--SF-PST