Great Manchester Cycle cancelled for 2016

Organisers have announced the cancellation of the Great Manchester Cycle for 2016, citing ‘a number of logistical challenges’. However, they remain hopeful that the event will return in 2017.

The Great Manchester Cycle last year saw over 7,000 cyclists riding a closed road course which began and ended at the Etihad campus, passing Old Trafford football ground midway along the route.

Road.cc understands that the main issue for 2016 was finding a suitable date with the necessary closure of the Mancunian Way a particular problem.

Works begin in January to make Manchester a nicer place for cyclists

The Mancunian Way has been undergoing repairs since August when a large sinkhole opened. Engineers discovered that an underground sewer had completely collapsed following heavy rainfall and a major tunnelling project is now underway to build a new sewer. Major roadworks would have meant a change in route.

Asked whether the event would return in 2017, David Hart, communications director at the Great Manchester Run, told us: “We hope so.”

A spokesman for United Utilities told the Manchester Evening News: “We are very sorry the company felt they needed to cancel the event. We are working as hard and as fast as we can to make sure the Mancunian Way is open as quickly as possible. We look forward to seeing the ride take place next year.”

A spokesman for Manchester council said: "It's very disappointing that, due to the large number of events taking place in Manchester in 2016, the organisers have decided to not hold it this year for commercial reasons. However, I am confident that high profile cycling events will remain an important part of the city's sporting calendar."