"I really appreciate the sense of hospitality and the welcome you receive in Annecy," said the 32-year-old from Schiltigheim.

On July 6, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide which city will host the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, so between now and then, when the final verdict is announced in Durban, Annecy ambassadors along with sportsmen and women are working to support the French bid.

"When I was a child in Guadeloupe I always watched the Olympic Games on television," said Voeckler, winner of two Tour de France stages.

"In 2004, I took part in the Athens Olympic Games and have some truly unique memories of that time, especially as I was able to meet some extraordinary people such as Marie-José Pérec, who I admire enormously especially as we had grown up on the same island.

"I've also taken part in other major sporting events such as the Tour de France, which is the third most watched international sporting event in the world, generating huge excitement along the highways and byways of my country.

"I experienced the same kind of atmosphere when I took part in the Olympic Games because the people of France have Olympism deep in their hearts.

"Hosting the Olympic Games in France means having the chance to experience this incredible atmosphere for two weeks.

"I know the Alps well, both in summer and winter.

"The landscape, needless to say, is stunning.

"I sincerely hope that Annecy gets the opportunity to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games."

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