Monster Energy Super X Championship promoter Global Action Sports has today announced that it has been forced to cancel the Melbourne round of the 2010 title chase due to “serious issues relating to the uneven surface at Etihad Stadium over the past two weeks”.

GAS had a crisis meeting with Etihad Stadium following the unfortunate incident where an AFL player broke his ankle, which resulted in speculation over the turf, and it has been mutually agreed that the event could not go ahead in 2010 particularly given the extensive adverse media attention.

GAS were unable to find an alternative venue in Victoria for the 2010 series, with all suitable venues unavailable on the possible dates including Skilled Stadium in Geelong where the previous two Victorian rounds have been held.

The scheduled Melbourne race on 23 October will now be hosted in Canberra, while Launceston in Tasmania has been added to the series schedule for round three.

Managing director of Global Action Sports Michael Porra commented on the news.

“I know this news will be very disappointing for all of our Victorian supercross fans, but we understand the stadium’s predicament and have no other option but to move the event as there is no other suitable stadium available,” Porra explained.

“We are extremely disappointed with this result after getting so far down the track with the event, but we are confident of hosting a round in Melbourne in the future and work has already begun to ensure we are there in 2011.”

A statement from GAS said that anyone who has purchased tickets to the 30 October event in Canberra will be able to use their tickets at the 23 October event. Any ticket holder unable to attend on the new date should contact Ticketek for a full refund.