A POPULAR cycling event has been cancelled for the first time since its launch back in 2013.

The Haydon Hundred cyclo sportive has grown from a new attraction into a mainstay of the British Cycling calendar, attracting competitors from across the UK.

But organisers have made the decision to cancel this year’s event, in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

They initially agreed to review the situation, in line with British Cycling guidelines.

However, a decision to cancel the Haydon Hundred, which was due to take place on Saturday, June 13, followed this week.

A statement from the organisers read: “The Covid-19 pandemic is a situation unprecedented in modern society and affects us all at a much deeper level than the organisation of cycling events.

“As British Cycling has now suspended all of its sanctioned cycling activities until June 30, we have no alternative but to cancel this year’s Haydon Hundred.

“With no definite date for an end to the coronavirus emergency, it does not seem realistic to attempt to postpone the event, so it will not be running in 2020.

“The 2021 event will be running as normal and details will be available nearer the date. We look forward to seeing you in the future. In the meantime, please enjoy your cycling safely.”

For more information visit http://www.haydonhundred.co.uk.