The International Cycling Union have announced they are open to "achieving equality" in track cycling at the Olympic Games in a move which could boost Victoria Pendleton's chances of multiple success at London 2012 but hinder those of Bradley Wiggins.

Pendleton won sprint gold in Beijing last August in one of three events contested by women, with seven contested by men - three of which were won by Sir Chris Hoy and two by Wiggins.

The International Olympic Committee last month dismissed calls to expand the track cycling programme, meaning any increase in disciplines for women - with the team sprint and keirin events which could be added - would mean a reduction in the number of events for men.

Following a meeting in Lugano, Switzerland, the UCI released a statement, which read: "With the aim of achieving equality between men and women in the Olympic Games cycling events, the members of the new management committee approved the basic principles of a redefinition of the track programme at the Games, which will then need to go to the International Olympic Committee for further discussion."

The Madison and the individual pursuit, with Wiggins and Rebecca Romero the reigning champions, are events which could be removed from the programme.

British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford approves of the suggested changes.

"It's always a real shame to lose some events, some in particular for example the Madison and individual pursuit are such classics," said Brailsford, speaking from the UCI Road World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

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

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

"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."