Punters put off by Obree's record attempt

Cycling

The Superdrome international meeting scheduled for Manchester Velodrome on 13-14 October has been cancelled because of poor advance ticket sales, writes Robin Nicholl.

Graeme Obree, who recaptured the world 4,000 metres pursuit title in Bogota last week, was due to attack the world hour record he has held twice, but the promoters, Sport For Television, cried off because of "appaling ticket sales". Obree, however, may still try for the record within the next six weeks, possibly in Bordeaux.

John Bagnall, of Sport For Television, said: "We are going to be struggling to get the velodrome half-full. There is no way we could go ahead with riders such as Tony Rominger riding to empty seats.''