THE first BMX event of 2001, due to take place last Sunday, was cancelled at short notice due to problems with concreting the site.

The racing day, to be held at Charlton Sports and Leisure Centre, will now be rescheduled to another date after organisers decided to take the precautionary measure on the grounds of safety.

Anthony Rogers, assistant sports and youth officer at Test Valley Borough Council, said: "The Tarmac had been laid at the track but the concrete delivered later in the week was 'too wet' and wouldn't have dried in time for the weekend's event.

"We're really disappointed."

Fortunately for the council, the event was called off with enough time for them to contact the 90 households on their database who had expressed an interest in the event, but understood some disappointed enthusiasts may still have turned up on the day.

The Southern Region of the British Cycling Federation, which was due to use the site to stage the third round of its Winter Race Series, also contacted BMX clubs in the south to let them know.