Cycling: Olympics drops pursuit

As expected, the men's and women's individual pursuits have been axed from the Olympic track cycling programme for the London Olympics.

It is an event synonymous with New Zealand track cycling with Sarah Ulmer's gold medal in Athens, Hayden Roulston's silver in Beijing and Alison Shanks' world championship gold in Poland.

In a bid for gender parity, the men lose the individual pursuit, points race and madison but gain the multi-event omnium, which rewards consistency over five different disciplines.

The women lose the individual pursuit and points race but gain a team sprint, keirin, team pursuit and omnium.

There were seven events for men and three for women in Beijing.

The IOC has ratified the UCI's proposal, saying the changes have been triggered by the need to refresh the events programme and increase the number of female athletes in the Games.

There will be five events on the track for men, and five for women.

In tennis, mixed doubles has been introduced.

- NEWSTALK ZB