Cycling race around Frankfurt cancelled due to terror threat

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) Local authorities have canceled a traditional May Day international cycling race around Frankfurt following the arrest of a couple and the discovery of bomb-making material in their home near the route.

The Hesse state crime office said late Thursday that the race was called off because of ''indications of a possible threat to the population.''

The suspected Islamist extremist and his wife were arrested overnight, and police found a bomb, a firearm, ammunition, and chemicals that can be used to make explosives.

German security officials said on Thursday they foiled what could have been an imminent Boston Marathon-style terror attack.

The annual Eschborn-Frankfurt race on Friday had more than 200 professional riders signed up. The course goes through the Taunus hills and passes through Oberursel, where the arrested couple lives.