Hurricane Fabian has put the brakes on this year's CD&P Grand Prix.

The event, which brings some of North America's top cyclists to Bermuda, was scheduled to take place next week.

But in the aftermath of the storm organisers took the "difficult decision" to cancel the event for the first time in its history.

President of the Bermuda Bicycle Association, Dannielle Bezant, said: "The efforts of the people of Bermuda and various Government departments have been amazing and I have no doubt that the Island will be up and running by next week.

"However, as the event is highly reliant on volunteers to host riders, marshal the race courses and perform the myriad of other logistical and technical tasks, it would be asking too much of people at a time when they are under significant pressure to re-build their lives following the recent storm."

Bezant said even before the storm hit the BBA had received nothing but support from those riders scheduled to take part.

"The cyclists' only concerns have been with the well-being of the Island. We are fortunate to have made such good friends over the years and we know that they will continue to support this event and Bermuda in the future," she said.

Bezant said the BBA would like to acknowledge "the full support and encouragement" received from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Recreation, and in particular from director of sport Brenton Roberts. She said Premier Alex Scott had also offered the full assistance of the Government.

"While we are extremely grateful for this statement of support from the highest levels of Government, we feel that it would not be possible to put on an event of the calibre that is expected by the international cycling community and one that reflects the best qualities of Bermuda as a sporting and tourist destination," Bezant said.

She added that the BBA would like to thank all those who have already invested "an extraordinary amount of time planning this year's event" and said she had been assured that everyone was on board for a successful Grand Prix in 2004.

"Our title sponsor Conyers Dill & Pearman has been extremely supportive throughout this process and the firm has confirmed that it is looking forward to sponsoring a spectacular event in 2004," she said.