The Olympic flag returned to French soil on Monday, less than two years after the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, as preparations began for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.

VERONA, Italy (AP) — The Milan Cortina Olympics end Sunday with a closing ceremony inside the ancient Verona Arena, roughly mid-distance between the far-flung mountain, valley and city venues that made these the most spread-out Winter Games in Olympic history.