Although this year's CD&P Grand Prix has emerged largely unscathed following the terrorist bombings in the USA, the event has had some last minute cancellations.

Spokesman Greg Hopkins said during the week only one team had informed him they were unable to come, that being mens' pro team Hot Tubes.

But yesterday he said he was told of a number of other riders who were not able to make it, through no fault of their own.

Hopkins said the women's field, featuring the likes of home-based riders Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley, had been hit hardest.

The field of 35 had been reduced to around 15 as some competitors found it nigh impossible to reach the Island because of problems at airports.

"We have been hit like every other (sporting) event," said Hopkins yesterday, adding that riders had turned up at airports only to find they were unable to make connecting flights.

Hopkins said the absentees would not detract from the event, noting there was still an incredibly high calibre field that would be contesting the event.