The Italian island of Sardinia was ready to host the prestigious series for the first time and had created a coastal course exposed to the elements.

However, gusts of 65 to 90 kilometers per hour hit the course on Saturday night and Sunday, damaging crowd barriers, portable toilets and refreshment tents and scattered throughout the venue.

Wind conditions were predicted to peak at more than 100 kilometres per hour and riders agreed to the decision to cancel the planned elite race for men and women.

Overnight lightning strikes also set fire to makeshift buildings, including bars, dining rooms and press facilities, resulting in them rising in smoke.

On Sunday morning, the local organizing Committee consulted with local authorities, Flanders Classic, UCI and the Security Service before a decision was made to cancel the event.

They also ruled out the possibility of holding an event at another time or day.

"The safety of riders, staff, volunteers, and the public could not be guaranteed," read a statement from UCI.

"Ensuring the safety of our players, fans and all personnel is our top priority as we make this necessary decision."

Riders were also counting the costs after making an expensive trip to Sardinia and trying to recoup some of their spending with the prize money.

The first prize to win a round of the World Cup will be 5,000 euros in stages, 11th place will receive 1,000 euros and 40th place will receive 400 euros. The rider scoops €30,000 for the entire series win and drops to €1,000 for the whole 20.

Eli Iserbyt (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) won the opening round of the series and was the winner of the entire men's series last year. The Belgians agreed to the cancellation, but said that financially the result left a "sour taste."

"It's a bit sour apple to chew on financially," said Iserbyt, when the racer shared the idea with Sporza. "I think every rider has invested about 1,000-1,500 euros to be here. It is difficult to recover.

"I weigh 55 kilograms and with a bike and rims it's very difficult to stay upright here. I think I had to hold my bike tightly."

fellow Belgian Thun Arts (Deschacht・Hens-FSP) is back from a 2-year doping ban and he said it would cost "a lot of money."

After scooping €2 for finishing runner-up during last weekend's round of 3,500 in Dublin, he wanted more success in Italy.

"Yes, it took some money (to travel to Italy).

"That's just how it is. We need to get it back at another time. It will be very difficult just to straighten the bike.

"It's a shame because this is a very nice place. I was looking forward to it. It was a nice lap. Anyway, we have to accept this. I think it (cancellation) is also in our own interests.

Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) led the series to the third round and agreed that cancelling the event was the "right option"

"I think cancelling is the only right option, no matter how difficult it is for the organizers. When you get here, you know that racing is not viable.

"It's already hard to stay upright. Everyone made an effort to come here financially as well. I think that only safety should play a role today.

The World Cup series is now reduced to 10 rounds and will continue in Namur next Sunday.