This year’s North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix motorcycling meetings have been cancelled.

In a shock announcement, it’s been reported that all motorcycle road racing, trials and short circuit racing in Northern Ireland will not take place in 2023, although motocross events will still go ahead.

Soaring costs for public liability insurance have been blamed for the decision.

According to the BBC: ‘After an emergency meeting, the organising clubs deemed it impossible to run events because of soaring insurance charges.

‘Quoted costs for public liability insurance for 2023 have tripled, amounting to more than £400,000.

‘Cancelled events include the North West 200, Northern Ireland’s biggest outdoor sporting event.

‘Other cancelled events include the Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100, Armoy Race of Legends, Ulster Grand Prix, and Sunflower trophy at Bishopscourt.

‘The Ulster Superbike Championship is also among the events which will not take place.’

Reacting to the news, Tim Crookall MHK, the politician with responsibility for tourism and motorsport, said: ‘The Isle of Man is proud to be a country synonymous with motorcycle road racing and we are saddened to hear of the cancellation of all road racing this year in Northern Ireland, a country that has the sport so ingrained within its heritage.

‘It is a real loss to fans, competitors, communities and all those involved in the events. Increasing costs are a very real issue facing all sports and businesses at this moment in time, and it’s for this reason the Isle of Man TT Races made ensuring the long-term sustainability of the event a clear mission within the TT’s overarching strategy.

‘In addition to this strategy, the Isle of Man TT has brought in a raft of changes in order to grow the event’s audience and improve accessibility to fans globally through the launch of live broadcast and additional year round content.

‘This approach, amongst other changes, provide sustainable income streams that can provide assurance to the longevity of the Isle of Man TT Races and ultimately ensure that road racing can remain in the island.

‘Whilst the loss of the events across Northern Ireland won’t directly impact the Isle of Man TT Races, I would like to add that the IoM TT will remain committed to working with any of their competitors that may be impacted by the cancellation.’