| 11/21/2005 | The San Francisco Grand Prix, an annual professional bicycle race that drew world-class cyclists such as Lance Armstrong, has been canceled for next year.
The move came after organizers could not reach an agreement with City Hall over who should pay for police and other services during the event.
"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.
Mayor Gavin Newsom's office has said the city would pay some expense 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 - set for Sept. 10, 2006 - despite having an $89,924 outstanding bill from last year's event.
San Francisco Cycling and Newsom's office said the city only mailed the bill this month. cbs5.com/local/local_story_325162812.html
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