POLICE have said there is no reason why a historic cycle race, which was cancelled after their support was withdrawn, cannot go ahead as planned.

The Archer Grand Prix, which has run annually through Bucks for more than 50 years, was due to take place on April 20.

But organisers said the landmark event must be cancelled for safety reasons after Thames Valley Police withdrew their support.

Stuart Benstead, of the Archer Road Club said police were needed to stop traffic, where necessary, at various points along the route. But he says he has been told that it is not the policy of Thames Valley Police to provide support for events on public roads.

Mr Benstead said: "It came completely out of the blue - we had a meeting on Wednesday discussing it, then, on Friday morning at 9 o'clock we had a message from Thames Valley Police to say that Superintendent Bell had taken this decision.

"We're very choked. I happened to be sitting at a cycle circuit I volunteer at and some riders were warming up and they were both saying how disappointed they are."

Mr Benstead said that the organisers had been willing to pay for any police manpower that was needed.

Superintendent Graham Bell of Thames Valley Police said: "The police do not recommend that people organise events on public roads for the obvious reason of safety, but have no power to stop them.

"The organisers have full responsibility for planning and managing the event, including obtaining the necessary road closures. Having obtained these closure orders, using suitably trained stewards, it is then entirely lawful for them to manage these themselves. Their over-riding responsibility is for safety, that of the participants, spectators and road users.

"Following a review of our involvement in this and other events, we have decided not to commit staff to it because, like other events, it should be able to go ahead without police presence. However, full assistance has been offered to Archer GP to support them in planning their event."

He added: "I would advise anyone organising a public event to work closely with the Safety Advisory Group, which is chaired by the local authority, for appropriate advice."

The race traditionally starts near Hazlemere, before heading north into the heart of the Chiltern Hills.

Riders then battle their way up Whiteleaf Hill, near Princes Risborough, before passing through Cryers Hill and ending in Winchmore Hill.

In the past it has seen cycling stars such as Chris Boardman and Chris Newton take part.