HUNDREDS of mountain bikers were disappointed at the weekend after one of the biggest races on their calendar was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

Nearly 300 cyclists hoped to compete in the second scheduled event of the English Points Series at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, on Saturday and Sunday.

It was the track's first high profile event, which would have given some of Britain's top riders a chance to pick up points to qualify for the World Cup.

But the sport's main governing body, British Cycling, cancelled the contest because it had failed to meet health and safety requirements.

British Cycling had worked with the Forestry Commission and Descent Mountain Bike Promotions, which runs the multi-use mountain bike facility at Hamsterley, to prepare for the race.

But, having failed to organise a road closure, permit and car park marshals, which are required to meet health and safety and insurance guidelines, it could not go ahead.

Some riders turned up on Saturday morning expecting the race to go ahead as planned, as the British Cycling website still showed details of the event.

While some decided to stay and enjoy a non-competitive weekend of mountain biking, others were forced to travel to Ireland for an alternative World Cup qualifier.

Craig Hunter and Bobby Boyd, directors of Descent Mountain Bike Promotions, had hoped the event would attract 280 cyclists from across the country.

Mr Hunter said: "There is always a good atmosphere at Hamsterley, so it was still a good weekend.

"But a lot of people were disappointed that, because of a mistake with paperwork, they have missed out on a major competition and one that could have been very important to competitive riders.

"We still hope to work with the British Cycling in future to hold five or six major events each year."

Riders Phil McLaren, of York, and Paul Thornberry, of Burnley, Lancashire, said the event would have been the most important of the year for them.

"My whole family had planned to watch me on the Sunday, as I had a chance of picking up World Cup points. It is very disappointing," said Phil.

Paul said: "Believe it or not, Hamsterley is the closest track to home with decent facilities, so it will be good if it can host big contests in the future."

No one from British Cycling was available for comment last night..