POLICE are warning that they will come down hard on anyone trying to disrupt a major cycling event being held this weekend.

The Wiggle Spring Sportive is being held in the New Forest tomorrow, after it had to be postponed in April following sabotage by vandals and poor weather.

Tacks on the road in a bid to stop riders and signs directing cyclists and warning of dangers were either stolen or vandalised.

Hampshire Constabulary has warned the force will be tough on anyone targeting the event.

Some New Forest residents had criticised the event in the run-up to the event, saying cyclists had become an increasing nuisance.

A total of 1,850 cyclists took part in the event, but organisers were then forced to postpone the second day on April 14 due to heavy rainfall.

Now more than 2,000 riders are expected to set off from the showground at New Forest in Brockenhurst at 7.30am tomorrow morning.

There are two routes around the New Forest - one 87 miles and one 60 miles long.