THIS weekend's Tour of Britain cycling stage in Dorset has been cancelled following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Professional cyclists were set to compete in a leg of the race across the county on Saturday, September 10, culminating in a finish in Ferndown.

However, organisers of the event confirmed late on Thursday, September 8, that the rest of the tour had been scrapped after the monarch's death.

In a statement, an AJ Bell Tour of Britain spokesman said: "Further to the earlier statement in relation to the cancellation of stage six as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, the organisers of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain can additionally confirm that stages seven (Dorset) and eight (Isle of Wight) will not take place.

"This decision has been taken in consultation with stakeholders and partners in light of operational circumstances, including the understandable reassignment of police resource at this time.

"Therefore, the final standings will be taken following the conclusion of stage five on Thursday 8 September. The winner of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain 2022 will be Gonzalo Serrano (Movistar Team).

"Additionally, the respective classification leaders – Tom Pidcock (Dodl by AJ Bell points), Mathijs Paasschens (ŠKODA King of the Mountains) and Matthew Teggart (Sportsbreaks.com Sprints) – will also be declared the winners of those competitions.

"The Tour of Britain organisation, alongside the teams, riders and officials involved in the event, send their deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time."