FINALLY! Cyclocross will become an Olympic winter sport in 2030!

[RedheadDane]

et's not deny that winter sports, so defined, is, at present, what the Winter Olympics are about. If they want to change that, it's their right to do so, but it changes the nature of that jamboree.

But isn't the the problem? That the definition being used is just way too narrow.
Surely, CX can't be the only sport that is defined by taking place outdoor during the winter, so in wintery conditions, even if those conditions don't necessarily involve snow and/or ice... note how all the sports you listed further up generally take place indoor, so not in any sort of wintery conditions.

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

But isn't the the problem? That the definition being used is just way too narrow.
Surely, CX can't be the only sport that is defined by taking place outdoor during the winter, so in wintery conditions, even if those conditions don't necessarily involve snow and/or ice... note how all the sports you listed further up generally take place indoor, so not in any sort of wintery conditions.

so rugby, football, hockey, even road race cycling.

I'm not quite sure what the big debate is: I suggested that some people might consider this to be a breaking with a tradition/sporting culture that they consider important, but none of us, least of all me, is invested in that mindset.

But I'm no fan of the Winter Olympics, so I'm happy enough about it: it could be a bit of fun and higher profile, but not much more relevant to the mainstream of the sport than rugby sevens at the Olympics is to the fifteen a side game.

 

[RedheadDane]

so rugby, football, hockey, even road race cycling.

Those are not defined by taking place in wintery conditions...

 

[Wyndbrook]

Personally I could not care a toot if should or shouldn't be included based on whatever criteria.
if it is that's fantastic.
In the UK the younger age groups in cross are thriving. Olympic status and consequent exposure will be a big boost.
It will open the door to lottery provided funding and improved opportunities including coaching, more trips to race in Europen mainland, talent identicication, general financial support for young potential selections.
Bring it on.

Cross country running was an Olympic sport, last held in 1924 summer Olympics in Paris.
Was removed to to local pollution and extreme heat causing most competitors to drop out.
Much more suited to winter conditions. I've raced many times in snowy races in the past.

 

[ManicJack]

I'll believe it when it is announced.

 

[Sciatic]

so rugby, football, hockey, even road race cycling.

I'm not quite sure what the big debate is: I suggested that some people might consider this to be a breaking with a tradition/sporting culture that they consider important, but none of us, least of all me, is invested in that mindset.

Any new sport where the winner is determined by time, height, or distance is more valid than a new sport based on judging. (I would grandmother in the older sports that use judging like figure skating). To me the most ridiculous is aerials. Yeah it’s on snow—but the competitors hardly have to be able to make turn on skis—it’s just gymnastics or diving and ability to stick a landing. Aerials as part of moguls-skiing works okay because the folks doing it are experts skiers. So to my mind they’ve already stretched what can be considered a winter sport.

But I shouldn’t care that much anyways—since I would rather the Olympics collapse and the pinnacle of sport be at individual world championships.

 

[ManicJack]

I just got off a conference call with individuals that would know a bit more about this possibility than myself. Their understanding is that the IOC has made some changes to the process of adding a sport to the Olympics. For a sport to be permanently added it has to be widely participated in 75 countries for summer and 40 for winter, meaning that there would have to be that many NGOs supporting it. If that criteria isn't met it has to be run as a test event in the Games prior to the Games that medals are awarded. HERE IS THE BIG CHANGE. Starting with Paris 2024 the host nation can add up to three sports of their choice for a ONE time inclusion in the Games. Their understanding is that this is why we are seeing artistic bmx and break dancing for example and will possibly never see them again, but the IOC could consider the one time inclusion the same as a test event and unilaterally add it permanently.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

I just got off a conference call with individuals that would know a bit more about this possibility than myself. Their understanding is that the IOC has made some changes to the process of adding a sport to the Olympics. For a sport to be permanently added it has to be widely participated in 75 countries for summer and 40 for winter, meaning that there would have to be that many NGOs supporting it. If that criteria isn't met it has to be run as a test event in the Games prior to the Games that medals are awarded. HERE IS THE BIG CHANGE. Starting with Paris 2024 the host nation can add up to three sports of their choice for a ONE time inclusion in the Games. Their understanding is that this is why we are seeing artistic bmx and break dancing for example and will possibly never see them again, but the IOC could consider the one time inclusion the same as a test event and unilaterally add it permanently.

Thanks.

As for the sports to be widely participated in 40 countries, i'm eager to hear in which 40 countries for instance skijumping is widely practiced. I think this is again the question of the chicken and the egg. A lot of these sports became popular because they were at the OG. Not the other way around.

 

[ManicJack]

Thanks.

As for the sports to be widely participated in 40 countries, i'm eager to hear in which 40 countries for instance skijumping is widely practiced. I think this is again the question of the chicken and the egg. A lot of these sports became popular because they were at the OG. Not the other way around.

Yeah, the 40 number obviously came into play much more recently. The real relevance of my post was to say CX could very well be a one time thing.

 

[noob]

Exactly. When winter and snow are required, you basically limit yourself to a small portion of the world to hold the event. You exclude so many athletes that don't have the opportunity to sport in/on snow or ice. And the way things are going, in a few decades you can simply scratch the entire winter OG because there won't be any snow left.

Snow >>>>> olympics

 

[Black Betsy]

Time for new heights for the prices of "gravel" bikes and for shimano to change again the standard for its 15speed cassette