IOC Considering Cyclocross as a Winter Olympic Sport

The recurring discussion of cyclocross becoming an Olympic sport has surfaced again, and it appears to have some traction this time. Cyclocross Magazine reports that a member of the Italian Cycling Federation told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf today that they are working together with some other unions in discussing the addition of cyclocross to the winter Olympics, possibly as early as next year in Vancouver.

One of the major stumbling blocks at the moment is that current Olympic regulations require that all winter Olympic sports must be competed or played on ice or snow. However, the IOC is considering removing such restrictions, which would obviously greatly improve the chance of cyclocross moving forward as an Olympic sport. Another obstacle has been the perceived lack of true international interest in cyclocross. With participation increasing all over the world, including Africa and the Far East, the IOC will hopefully be more receptive to adding cyclocross to the list of Olympic events.

Tags: Africa, Cyclocross Magazine, Olympic, olympics, Vancouver