The committee said the changes were triggered by a need to update the events programme and increase the amount of female participation at the Olympic Games.
In cycling both men and women will take part in the same five events (sprint, team sprint, keirin, omnium – a multi-discipline event made up of five separate races - and team pursuit). Tennis will feature the mixed doubles for the first time since the 1924 Games, taking the format of a 16-team elimination event.
"We have followed the advice of the UCI (International Cycling Federation). They are adamant the new programme is an improvement for cycling," said IOC president Jacques Rogge. "There is a shift from endurance events (like individual pursuit) to sprint events. It is the advice of UCI that the new format would appeal to a younger audience."
Rogge also said finalising the details to move the rhythmic gymnastics and badminton to the Wembley arena would be completed by the end of February.
