Rio 2016 BMX test event cancelled

The Olympic BMX test event went ahead in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday after the first of the two-day event was cancelled due to what athletes had deemed sub-standard and unsafe tracks.

Rio de Janeiro: Heavy rain forced Rio 2016 organisers to cancel the Olympic BMX test event, just a day after the competitors declined to compete due to safety concerns.

Officials agreed to modify the track on Saturday after the International Cycling Union said some sections were dangerous for racing.

The men eventually used the same course as the women before the event scheduled for Sunday was cancelled due to bad weather, Xinhua reported.

According to the Uol news portal, local riders Rogerio dos Reis and Bianca Quinalha suffered suspected fractures after falls early Sunday.

Despite the early finish, Rio 2016 sports director Agberto Guimaraes described the event as a success.

"I don't think we could have had a better test," Guimaraes was quoted telling the Globo newspaper.

"All the changes we made to the track and the feedback from athletes have been invaluable. We know that we have to do all we can to make sure the track remains dry (next year)."

Located at the Deodoro Olympic complex, the track will also stage the Olympic mountain bike and canoe slalom test events later this month.