Complaints Halt Yorkshire Cycling Races

Cycling road races in South Yorkshire have been suspended over safety concerns and complaints - including the last-minute cancellation of a 105km race scheduled for today.

British Cycling Yorkshire said a "recent incident involving riders and a combine harvester … have not helped."

It said the decision to halt Tumby’s road race near Stainton comes after "further complaints" and issues that "go back years".

"No specific reason has been given but it seems they are saying the course is unsuitable and overused which possibly points to complaints from local residents," said a statement on the Rutland cycling club site.

Police, cycling groups and road authorities are to meet in the coming days to try to ease local concerns and get the races back on the road.

South Yorkshire Police said: "To clarify we have not banned road racing in South Yorkshire.

"Concerns and complaints have been made to us about safety issues surrounding these races.

"A decision was made by us, British Cycling and Highways to suspend road races, until we meet next week to review the safety of these races.

"We want everybody to be able to enjoy these races, however, our main concern is the safety of the cyclists and public in South Yorkshire."

Road racing in Yorkshire received a boost last year when the Tour de France began in Leeds, with the second stage ending in Sheffield.

The inaugural Tour de Yorkshire was also added to the busy race calendar this year off the back of that success.

Some 8,000 cyclists are members of British Cycling Yorkshire and Olympic medallists Ed Clancy and Lizzie Armitstead hail from the region.