ONE of the East Riding's most prestigious cycle races has been cancelled after Humberside Police failed to support the event.
Organisers of Hull Thursday Road Club's Spring Road Race, which was set to attract Olympic double-gold medalist Laura Trott, have cancelled Sunday's event after police said they would not back events without road closures.
Last month, time-trial rider Christopher Auker, 65, of Selby, died during an organised race on the A63, when he cycled into the back of a caravan.
Sunday's race organiser, Neil Prendergast, said: "Following the decision by Humberside Police, I have had to cancel the race at short notice.
"This situation is totally unnecessary for a regional event – not even the Tour of Britain has full road closures.
"It is such a shame, as we had the opportunity to promote local cycling with the help of a world class competitor.
"The impracticality of road closures and the inconvenience to local residents it would cause meant we had to cancel.
"The implications of putting road closures in place will put the running of these events out of the reach for many clubs."
Several cycle races and time trials have been cancelled in recent weeks but the death of Mr Auker on the A63 is not believed to have had an impact on the decision.
The 85km race around the Newbald Circuit was set to attract riders from all over the country.
John Smith, of Rotherham, said: "I find it very sad this decision has been taken and feel a compromise should have been reached.
"Cycling is a beautiful sport and between us, the club riders, British Cycling, local authorities and the police we need to find a solution that allows for us all to share the road network safely."
East Riding Council had been in discussions with the race organisers this week in a last-ditch attempt to ensure it went ahead.
Tony Goundry, of Hull, was also due to compete in the race. He said: "I'm really disappointed by the stance taken by the police, which has caused the cancellation.
"These events have taken place for many years with no major incidents. This is a terrible day for cycle racers in the area, especially after the successes of cycling last year in the Olympics."
The council is continuing to work with police to make organisers aware of the changes.
John Skidmore, head of streetscene services at the council, said: "The council continues to support events on the highway to take place but requires event organisers to put in place highway safety measures."
Humberside Police was unable to comment on the cancellation at the time of going to print.
