San Francisco Grand Prix canceled - Cycling - Yahoo! Sports

San Francisco Grand Prix canceled - Cycling - Yahoo! Sports: "SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The San Francisco Grand Prix, a cycling race that attracted the likes of Lance Armstrong, was canceled for next year because organizers could not agree with the city over pay for police and other services.

'Sadly, it's a no-win situation, and we simply cannot go forward,' said David Chauner, director of San Francisco Cycling LLC, which founded the 108-mile race. It is considered one of the country's most challenging races because of its length and the city's steep hills.

The cancellation, announced Sunday, comes as officials argue over how much of the race's cost -- if any -- should be absorbed by the city.

ADVERTISEMENT
Mayor Gavin Newsom's office has said the city would pay some expenses because the event attracts tourists. This year's Labor Day weekend race generated $10.2 million for city businesses, according to a study commissioned by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Board of Supervisors initially approved a deal in April to pay much of the cost of policing the event in exchange for 40 percent of the race's profits. But some questioned why organizers should be allowed to have the race -- originally set for Sept. 10, 2006 -- despite an outstanding bill for $89,924 from last year's event.

San Francisco Cycling and Newsom's office said the city mailed the bill only this month.

Updated on Monday, Nov 21, 2005 4:12 pm EST"