The 50th Bendigo International Madison cycling race has been cancelled due to a delay in track upgrade works.

Rik McCaig, secretary of the Bendigo Madison Committee, said it was disappointing to have to cancel the event after a two-year pause thanks to COVID. 

"Everyone's disappointed, from riders to organisers to the council. No one sets out to miss a deadline," he said.

The works were due to be completed by mid-November this year, with the race supposed to take place from March 10 to 12, 2023.

"We knew that there were scheduled ground works commencing in July," Mr McCraig said.

"We were expecting to be back racing on the track on November 2, which gave us plenty of time to organise the March event." 

Weather partly to blame 

Mr McCraig said when the Bendigo International Madison committee pressed the City of Greater Bendigo council for a completion date for the works, they found out the date could be pushed back by up to four months.

"So for us to continue planning for our March event with no guarantee the venue will be ready, was not an ideal situation." 

The City of Greater Bendigo council announced the $1.1-million upgrade of the Tom Flood Sports Centre oval in July, to improve player safety and functionality.

The council's manager of active and healthy communities, Amy Johnston, said the project was delayed in part by recent flooding and cool weather conditions.