Rybinsk, Russia  - Freezing temperatures forced organizers to cancel two World Cup cross-country ski races in the Russian venue of Rybinsk on Sunday.

Both the women's 2 x 7.5-kilometre and the men's 2 x 15-kilometre double pursuits were called off as temperatures dropped to minus 21.9 degrees Celsius.

Race director Juerg Capol of the world ski governing body FIS said the rules dictated that a race should not be held at temperatures colder than minus 20 degrees Celsius.

"The jury made the right decision. The health of the athletes comes first," he said.

Neither events will now be held this season, FIS said. dpa