An extreme mountain biking event that was set to take place in Waihi's Martha Mine pit has been cancelled.
The Red Bull Rock Drop, initially planned for early this month, was postponed as a mark of respect in the wake of Pike River coalmine disaster. However ongoing efforts from the Newmont
Waihi Gold Mines Rescue Team in Greymouth has forced the event to be cancelled.
Newmont Waihi Gold's general manager Glen Grindlay said the Red Bull Rock Drop was postponed after the Pike River tragedy and tentatively rescheduled for late January 2011, anticipating that matters there would have been concluded by now.
"A very real concern for us at Waihi Gold is that our Mines Rescue Team will be required to assist with ongoing efforts. This same rescue team would be required to ensure the safety of competitors at the Rock Drop."
Mr Grindlay said it was not possible to hold the Rock Drop without the Mine Rescue Team, who were "vertical rescue specialists" and had a detailed knowledge of the bike race route.
Mr Grindlay said employees, contractors of the mine, Red Bull staff and the wider community had worked tirelessly over recent months to prepare for the Rock Drop. He would like to thank them for their efforts.
"This is a very difficult decision and has not been taken lightly."
The Rock Drop could not be rescheduled due to intensive mining activity in the Martha Mine.
