Tour of the Milburys cancellation

As mentioned down the pub last night I have taken the decision to cancel this year's ToM. I've e-mailed the entrants, for your info I've copied what I've sent below.

It is with regret that I write to inform you that this year's Tour of the Milburys has been cancelled due to the state of the road surface:

The time trial stage was generally OK apart from a large pothole right on the corner of a junction.

The afternoon's road stage was the problem; it is always pretty rough which has probably given the weather a foothold. There are numerous holes, although by and large they're not that big, it was the quantity of them that caused concern.

The edges of the roads were very broken and in places had a significant drop off.

There is a fairly steep, twisting descent in one place; those that have ridden the event before will know it as it has a rippled surface which doesn't aid control and there are a couple potholes on one of the corners of this descent.

Riding round the circuit for the risk assessment I wasn't happy with signing it off and when I got to the last point above that sealed its fate as having people hit potholes on a speedy downhill could be messy.

I e-mailed British Cycling a couple weeks ago with a few to alternatives but the Owslebury circuit is in a similar state as is Wheely Down and anything involving the A32 is a no-go with regards to getting approval from Hampshire Police.

I know this will come as a blow but I hope you will see from the above that there are significant hurdles in the way and it is not a decision I have taken lightly as I and Team Axiom have invested time and money in the event. Unless you request otherwise all entry fee cheques will be securely shredded.

Hopefully the council will be busy over the summer and we'll be able to promote this popular event again next year.

Best regards and safe cycling,
Andy West.

Hi andy, what a shame I was really looking forward to this year. All the best for next year I will be available for the photos if you want me.