Will cyclo-cross secure a spot at the 2030 Winter Olympics? It seemed that we would get more clarity in the spring of 2026, but cyclo-crossers will have to wait a bit longer for a - whether relieving or not - answer.
This decision was made during a meeting of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) executive board. Originally, the plan was to provide clarity in February about which sports would be added to the next 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. However, we will have to wait a bit longer for (whether or not) the final decision: this will only happen in June 2026.
It was decided today that the discipline programme and additional sports for the French Alps 2030 Winter Olympics will be decided in June 2026.
Originally, the decision for the disciplines was foreseen for this IOC EB and for the additional sports for the IOC Session in…
— Christian Klaue (@ChKlaue) December 10, 2025
The UCI and the athletics federation World Athletics have been lobbying for several years to include both sports in the Olympic winter program, as both primarily take place in autumn and winter. The International Olympic Committee has repeatedly expressed enthusiasm about adding cyclo-cross and cross-country running to the Winter Games.
The organization would be willing to adjust the Winter Olympics regulations to make this possible. Currently, the rules state that only sports held on snow or ice are welcome. Earlier this year, IOC president Sebastian Coe told The Guardian that “there is a good chance” that cyclo-cross and cross-country running will be part of the 2030 Winter Games.
Not everyone is equally enthusiastic, however: the international winter sports federations do not want cyclo-cross and cross-country running included in the 2030 Olympic Games. This is stated by the winter sports federations, including the International Skating Union (ISU), in a joint statement.
According to the winter sports federations, “the brand, heritage, and identity of the Winter Games would be diluted if summer sports are added to the Olympic program.”
