The 2015 edition of the Etape Pennines will not take place because there is not enough interest and partly because local opposition has made the event harder to organise.
The Etape Pennines started in 2012 and around 2,000 cyclists rode in the 60 mile event which started in Barnard Castle and was ridden on the roads of Teesdale and Weardale. It took place in late July and was a closed-roads event.
Event organisers IMG Challenger World said the Etape Pennines, which was aimed at raising money for Marie Curie Cancer, had been a '"fantastic project" but it had not been possible for it to continue for another year. Locals said that there had been a number of complaints about the sportive blocking up local roads with farmers being particularly vocal about not being able to move around during the event during their busiest time of year.
Durham County Council said the Etape Pennines brought in around £235,000 to the economy last year.
Nigel Dodds, strategic manager of culture and sport at Durham County Council, told the Northern Echo: "We are disappointed to lose the Etape Pennines which we believe introduced many people to the stunning beauty and visitor offer of the Dales. However we understand and respect IMG's decision.
"Being part of the etape from its concept has allowed us to gather a wealth of experience which we will now use to enrich the range of cycling events which the county has a growing reputation for hosting."
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