This year's Celtic Match Races have had to be cancelled due to rising costs for the travelling teams and the unavailability of a suitable circuit in Wales on the planned date.

The races are traditionally at the end of the season, allowing top riders to take part without worrying about possible effects on mainstream championships.

But this also restricts the dates available for the event.

Organisers say in addition, there are fewer circuits across than in the past and those remaining had already filled their grids with local championships on the few dates which would have suited.

Last year the Irish team found it too expensive to attend and this year there were indications it would be difficult to fund a Scottish team.

However, negotiations are already underway for a return next year of this very popular series.

This year's event would have been the 32nd, having been initiated by the Isle of Man in 1979 as part of the Millennium celebrations.