Curbs on cyclists ‘make mockery of Olympics’

Hull Thursday Road Club is the latest to cancel an event, after Humberside Police demanded full road closures are put in place.

Cyclists fear around 40 events this year will have to be called off, unless there is a change of heart.

The move followed the death of Christopher Auker, 65, of Selby, who cycled into the back of a caravan during a race on the A63.

Mr Auker was one of 150 cyclists taking part in a 10-mile trial, organised by Hull City Road Club on March 29.

Neil Prendergast, organiser of Sunday’s 85km Spring Road Race, which had attracted 70 riders including Olympic double-gold medallist Laura Trott, said even the Tour of Britain didn’t demand full road closures.

Several cycle races and time trials have already been cancelled, with others set to follow the same fate.

Mr Prendergast said: “At the moment we seem to be going round in circles.

“East Riding Council is basically telling us without traffic management and road closures in place they won’t support any sporting event on the open highway. I do think it is coming from the police. It is devastating - events are getting cancelled all over the county.

“The sport will come to a grinding halt.

“This is where grassroots Bradley Wiggins come through - it is putting a stop to racing in this area altogether.”

Peter Dunn, who for 25 years served on the East Yorkshire division of the British Cycling Federation, and is organising an event later this year, said the situation was a “nightmare.” He said: “I’m all in favour of closing the A63 because it’s dangerous, but they have used a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The police have overreacted and instead of banning the course have banned all types of racing. It makes a mockery of Seb Coe’s Olympic legacy.”

Humberside Police was unable to provide a comment.

East Riding Council said it was in discussions with the police and was setting up a group to consider and advise on event applications. The council wants organisers to give them their plans at least six weeks in advance of an event.