Event organisers have confirmed that the Newark Town Centre Cycling Race which were due to take place in July will not be going ahead this year.
“It is with great sadness I announce that Newark Town Centre Races will not be held in 2024,” said event organiser Chris Lawrence.
“I have been working for some months to come to an agreement around this with the council, but there are a number of hurdles in the way.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support over the last two years of its running, and hope to discuss in the coming months plans for future events.”
The event’s website appears to now be down.
“For the past two years, Newark and Sherwood District Council has hosted the town centre cycling race and last year we also hosted the start and finish of the 2023 Tour of Britain,” said the Chief Executive of Newark and Sherwood District Council, John Robinson.
“We’ve done so to raise the profile of cycling, encourage participation in cycling, showcase our fantastic District and encourage visitors into our area.
“Unfortunately though, these events come at a cost.
“£30,000 for an afternoon and evening of cycling is a significant sum of money and everyone who lives and works in Newark knows that Friday (the only day that the race is available) is the worst day in terms of traffic disruption and some local businesses have suffered as a result.
“We remain committed to working in partnership with British Cycling and committed to expanding the number and range of events in the town centre.
“However, as far as the town centre race is concerned, we are taking a break this year and will be considering whether there are alternative ways to fund and organise the race in future years or to do something else which achieves the same objectives.”
The event is the second major sporting event that has been called off this year in Newark after the Newark Half Marathon was cancelled due to roadworks on its route.
