HORRIFIED officials say someone could have been killed after “saboteurs” sprinkled tacks on the route of a major cycle event in the Forest and ripped up hundreds of signs.

The Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive had sparked a backlash weeks before it was held last weekend, with campaigners saying thousands of cyclists riding through the Forest posed a danger to wildlife and other road users.

Cyclists hit back, saying that the event was well-run and brought money in to the local economy, as well as promoting the area to holidaymakers.

But New Forest East MP Julian Lewis said he wanted such events regulated more closely, to ensure any possible dangers were ironed out.

The Sportive went ahead on Saturday as planned, with 1,850 cyclists setting off on the 86-mile route. But rain hit the event hard, and Sunday’s ride had to be cancelled after the car park in Brockenhurst was flooded. The second day has been rescheduled for June 1.

But the weather was not the only thing riders had to contend with – drawing pins had been thrown on the road at Boldre, posing a danger to cyclists, and organisers say about 1,000 posters showing the route and safety warnings were taken down and ripped up.

Organiser Martin Barden said the action was “unacceptable” and “appalling” and said the matter had been reported to the police.

He added: “Normally locals welcome us and have been very supportive but we are talking about a very small minority of protesters and a handful of hardcore vigilantes causing mayhem.

“Their aim was to protect the Forest but chucking down tacks doesn’t just endanger cyclists and motorists, it hurts Forest animals too.”

A businessman and keen cyclist from Fordingbridge, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “In my opinion the behaviour of these people is reprehensible.

“They deliberately set out to cause physical harm, to spoil people doing something they love and in doing so littered the New Forest and caused untold damage to the reputation of the area as being somewhere to visit and holiday.

“Their actions were dangerous – I hope the police catch up with them and get them charged for their offences.”

Horse riders have been one of the groups concerned about large-scale cycling events in the Forest.

But after the incident, a rider posting on an online forum said: “I am ashamed and embarrassed to be a Forest local.

“It seems protesters had tampered with over 1,000 signs for the Sportive, which were removed or the direction changed, groups of people yelling threatening abuse at cyclists (it was reported there were children present in these groups), groups of people blocking the roads, and driving slowly in convoy – just to cause problems.

“The thing which sickens me the most is that someone had placed tacks on the roads around Boldre area.

“Well – that has just proven to anyone visiting the area that we are gentle, loving country folk.”

Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson of Hampshire Police said they were trying to track down who had placed the tacks.

He said: “We support people’s rights to lawful, peaceful protest but for those who break the law we will take action.

“We are now following up on information to find those responsible.”