LONDON, Dec 14: The eagerly-awaited “man v machine” challenge between triple Olympic cycling gold medallist Chris Hoy and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton was cancelled on Sunday because of fears over the safety of the Wembley track.

Hamilton was to race in McLaren’s new road car against Hoy on an adapted version of the track bike he used to win his three golds in Beijing.

However, Saturday’s relentless rain and subsequent oil spills caused problems for the temporary track laid inside Wembley Stadium and, despite efforts to stabilise the surface, the race was called off on Sunday.

“There were a few accidents in the rain yesterday and there has been some oil spilt on the track,” Hoy told Sky Sports.

“The organisers have done their best but you have to put safety first.”

The two men will meet up again later on Sunday for the announcement of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award when they, and double Olympic gold medal swimmer Rebecca Adlington, are expected to fill the top three slots.—Reuters