Bushfires force cancellation of cycle race stage
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Bushfires in Australia's Victoria state Sunday forced organizers of the professional Herald Sun Cycle Tour to cancel its final stage.
The race, which featured some of Australia's leading riders including Tour de France stage-winner Simon Gerrans, was due to finish at Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula.
But police and fire services were diverted to other areas to tackle bushfires raging in the state and authorities said they couldn't guarantee the safety of riders and spectators if fire broke out in the race area.
Race director John Trevorrow said the decision of emergency services was understandable given the "drastic situation" throughout the state.
He said "I'm not angry in any way, but I'm disappointed because we missed out on a wonderful stage."
