France, Sept. 11 -- The 57-year-old former Olympic skiing champion quit on Thursday night following a meeting of executives from the regions in south-eastern France where the events will take place and the French Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

"His decision to step down as president is part of a deliberate, organised and fully supported transition, in the interests of the project and its governance," said a statement from the organising committee (Cojop).

"It reflects a shared commitment with stakeholders to enable the organisation to move swiftly into this new operational phase." 'Ambitious vision'

Cojop said an extraordinary general assembly would take place on Monday to thrash out how to proceed until the appointment of a new pre...