The international winter sports federations do not want cyclocross and cross-country running to be added to the Olympic Games in 2030. This is stated by the winter sports federations, including the International Skating Union (ISU), in a joint declaration.
According to the winter sports federations, 'the brand, heritage, and identity of the Winter Games will be diluted if summer sports are added to the Olympic program.' However, the winter sports federations understand that the IOC is exploring ways to make the Winter Games more appealing. "But the innovation should focus on the development of existing winter sports," says Ivo Ferriani on behalf of the federations.
The UCI and the athletics federation World Athletics have been lobbying for several years to add both disciplines to the Olympic winter program because both sports mainly take place in autumn and winter. The International Olympic Committee has repeatedly expressed enthusiasm about adding cyclocross and cross-country running to the Winter Games and would be willing to adapt the Winter Olympic rules to make that possible. Currently, the rules specify that only sports performed on snow or ice are allowed.
Whether the declaration from the international winter sports federations will have an impact remains to be seen. Last month, IOC President Sebastian Coe told The Guardian that 'there is a good chance' that cyclocross and cross-country running will be part of the 2030 Winter Games.
