April 01, 2014 – The latest sport vying for inclusion into the Olympic program is Bicycle Polo which has its own international organization and is making a bid to become part of the Rio 2016 Games.

With cyclocross being discussed by the UCI and IOC to possibly become an Olympic sport a spokesperson for The North American Hardcourt Bike Polo Association told Pedal, “…the timing is right. We already have international competitions and championships and our members are ready to make the jump to the Games. We think fans will love it.”

The sport was invented in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1891 by retired cyclist, Richard J. Mecredy. Although it’s been played for 120 years, bicycle polo is one of cycling’s least known, and most fun to watch, sports.

Bicycle polo competitions are already taking place in no less than 26 countries around the world including Canada, USA, Ireland, Switzerland, France, India, Germany, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Slovenia, Brazil even Nepal and many more.

Adding to the hype is UCI President Brian Cookson’s apparent approval. “I love watching it and I’ve tried it a few times myself. It’s a novel sport and they seem quite well organized around the globe so the timing could be right for bicycle polo,” said Cookson in a recent press release.

Read more on bicycle polo here.

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