The reason is the political conflict that has arisen since Belarusian authorities forced down a passenger plane and arrested a regime-critical journalist and his girlfriend.

"In light of the current international situation, we have decided to cancel the European Championships in Minsk", announces the European Cycling Federation (UEC).

It was on Sunday that journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend, law student Sofia Sapeg, were on a passenger plane between Lithuania and Greece.

But Belarusian authorities forced the plane to land in Minsk and the couple were arrested.

The EU has responded by stopping Belarusian flights from operating within the EU and urging airlines to avoid flying over the country.

The event caused both Germany and the Netherlands to withdraw from the European Championships.

UEC is working to find an "alternative solution" for the championship.