Female track cyclists could gain parity with their male counterparts at the 2012 Olympics in London, enhancing the prospects of Briton Victoria Pendleton.

But it would mean a cut in the number of men's events from seven to five.

That could affect the chances of Sir Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins, who both won gold at the 2008 Beijing Games.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has approved the change in principle, but a decision would need International Olympic Committee approval.

Final votes will be taken on Friday, 9 October.

The Madison and the individual pursuit are the events which could be removed from the programme as a result of the proposal.

Wiggins and compatriot Rebecca Romero won the latter event in Beijing.

"It seems strange to scrap so many events but it's happened before," said Wiggins.

"I'm disappointed because it's my event that is involved, but then I don't know how exciting a pursuit is to watch or not."

British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford backed the suggested changes.

"It's always a real shame to lose some events," he said. "The Madison and individual pursuit are such classics.

"But I think it's exciting, innovative and it brings parity from a gender perspective. I like it."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version