A blow for cyclocross fans: no cyclocross at the 2030 Winter Olympics

It was a bold ambition that had been slowly gathering momentum. Cyclocross had been pressing its nose up against the Olympic window, hoping to earn a place at the Winter Games. Advocates made their case at length to the International Olympic Committee — but the IOC has now made its decision: it is not going to happen.

The 2030 Games, to be held in the French Alps, were never going to be a straightforward opportunity for cyclocross to gain entry. The rule is clear: only sports contested on snow or ice qualify as winter sports. Supporters had argued that cyclocross can be raced in the snow. One of those supporters was UCI president David Lappartient.

"I am truly convinced that, with climate change in mind, adding winter disciplines such as cyclocross to the Games could be a valuable addition," the Frenchman said earlier. "We could potentially expand the Games to address climate change, achieve greater universality, and also bring in more stars."

The popularity of riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock would have been a point in cyclocross's favour. Olympic mountain bike champion Jolanda Neff, who also races cyclocross, had herself argued in favour. "It is a genuine winter sport, one that is really only practised during these months," the Swiss rider explained. "And hopefully it will happen."

A significant disappointment for all the lobbyists and fans — but there is still a faint glimmer on the horizon. Nothing has yet been decided about the 2034 Winter Games, to be held in Salt Lake City. The snag, of course, is that the Van Aerts and Van der Poels of the peloton will in all likelihood have long since retired by then.