A MAJOR cycling event due to have taken place in the New Forest this weekend has been cancelled.

The Beyond New Forest Sportive, which would have seen up to 500 people a day riding through the national park, has been postponed until next year.

The Sportive is reported to have run into opposition from Forestry England.

But the organisers, Beyond Events, said the venue had reversed its decision to host the event, leaving them with no time to find an alternative.

A spokesman said the Sportive would now take place in May next year.

Beyond Events had described the event as an opportunity for cyclists taking either a 62-mile course or the 100-mile alternative to enjoy the "stunning" New Forest scenery.

A statement posted on its website said: "We are just trying to help you enjoy cycling at its very finest, and what better place to do it."

Meanwhile, new complaints have been voiced about the damage being done by cycling in the Forest.

In a statement to the Court of Verderers Hyde resident Peter Rejchrt said the lack of "obvious enforcement or visible deterrents" meant cycling was taking place away from permitted tracks.

Mr Rejchrt complained that wildlife habitats were being destroyed by locals and visitors breaking the rules.