IN 2009 John Osborne had a dream to introduce a National Road Series race to the Darling Downs.

The following year the FKG Tour of Toowoomba was born.

It was a realisation of Osborne's dream which brought great kudos to the region. It became a pathway to national and international success for a generation of emerging Australian stars.

Six years later Osborne's dream, although realised, has come to an abrupt end with the cancellation of the tour due to budget constraints and fluctuating economic times.

Osborne can look back on his reign as the Tour of Toowoomba's heart and sole with pride but nothing can hide the disappointment he feels in seeing his brainchild nipped in the bud.

"I'm gutted,” Osborne said yesterday when reflecting on the tour's short but influential life.

"For the last three years I've pretty much lived the tour seven days a week, 12 months a year.

"Within the cycling world it's been freely expressed that people had never seen an event of this nature rise with such rapid growth.”

The tour peaked at its final appearance last year when it was found to have injected $1.4 million into the region's economy.

"Fifty per cent of the 72 riders last year were internationals,” Osborne said.

"No other tour came near Toowoomba for what we offered.

"I'd just like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and media for the support they offered to make the event what it became.

"It's such a shame it will never have the chance to realise it's full potential.”