In this case I take exception the nutty country claim.There really aren't many police bikers left, and few of them are qualified for escort work. They are needed for duties moving stuff and people around. Some left the hotel last night, others first thing this morning, such was the need for them. They didn't jump back on their bikes for the fun of it after a long day on the saddle.
The race takes about 30 of them. You can't pull in inexperienced police for the race as it's so different to anything else, and very, very fast. Skills are honed over years, and new members are weaned in.
You can see what happens when things go wrong even with the top team in place. I don't believe anyone in the race organisation (including the police) wanted it to be cancelled, but there was no safe work around.