Nice cancels European Road Cycling Championships for security reasons

The European Road Cycling Championships, planned for September 14-18, has been cancelled due to security concerns in the host city of Nice. Mayor Philippe Pradal said the event required a large police presence in the wake of July's lorry attack, but the city had not "received any guarantees."

On July 14, Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel ploughed into a crowd of people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, killing 85 people. He was later shot dead by police.

Speaking about the prospect of holding the races, Mayor Pradal told the BBC: “Given that it was an event that would have required a large police presence, and that we have not received any guarantees about their deployment, the cycling championships that Nice was due to hold in France's name are cancelled."

In a statement, the Union  Européenne  de  Cyclisme said:

“This decision is justified on the grounds of safety as this event required a huge security presence which cannot be guaranteed in view of the significant constraints.

“We  would  like  to  assure you  that  the  Union  Européenne  de  Cyclisme  is already looking for an alternative venue on the dates already scheduled.

“The Union Européenne de Cyclisme would like to express its full solidarity with the city of Nice at this difficult time as well as with the victims’ families.”