To ask the Minister for the Olympics what discussions she has had with the International Olympic Committee on the number of cycling events to be open to (a) men and (b) women at the London 2012 Olympics; and if she will make a statement. (290665)

[holding answer 9 September 2009]: I have not had direct discussions with the International Olympic Committee. However, the Minister for Sport and I have had discussions with the British Olympic Association and UK Sport. I have also spoken to British Cycling on this matter. The International Cycling Federation recently submitted a request to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for new cycling events to be included in the 2012 Olympic programme. The IOC Executive Board indicated that this could happen, especially if the new events increase the participation of women at the games and on condition that they replace events already on the programme. Current events can be replaced with new ones only if the total number of athletes is maintained. A final decision will be made at the IOC congress in October.