Sponsorless Tour of Qatar bites the dust

Paris - The 2017 Tour of Qatar was on Wednesday called off due to lack of a sponsor, cycling's ruling body announced.

The stage race, won this year by Mark Cavendish, was due to be held in February.

"The ICU has received today notice of the cancellation of the Tour of Qatar and of the women's Tour of Qatar," a statement from the International Cycling Union said.

"It's understood this decision follows difficulties they've had in attracting sponsors," the statement added.