A bitter blow for women's cycling: Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour 2025 cancelled

Despite intensive efforts and various offers from the Thuringian State Chancellery in recent days, the organisers see no possibility of making up the difference to ensure the Tour is held successfully and safely. The cancellation of the race, which has only been cancelled twice since 1986 - during the fall of communism in 1990 and 1991 and due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 - is a huge blow for women's cycling in Germany and beyond.

Financial bottlenecks and organisational challenges

The uncertain financial situation, which became an existential problem by the middle to end of February this year at the latest, forced the organisers to put many important organisational and press appointments with cities, municipalities and sponsors on ice. According to a press release, the Free State of Thuringia has cancelled its financial participation in the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour. The draft budget had earmarked 200,000 euros for the women's stage race. With reference to the difficult budget situation and the Thuringian Sports Promotion Act, support in the requested six-figure amount is not possible, as the Thuringian State Chancellery told Sport in the East to understand.

Despite all efforts, the organisers see no possibility of holding the Tour of Thuringia in a way that meets their own requirements and those of the UCI. Tour director Vera Hohlfeld and race director Marian Koppe explained in a press release: "It is no longer feasible to organise the reappraisal in three months before the start of the Tour and the financial risk of getting further work underway is not sustainable." The organisers emphasise that they did not take this decision lightly. In the last few days, there has been a lot of encouragement and offers of support for the realisation of the tour, all of which have been carefully examined.

Significance for women's cycling and the region

The cancellation of the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour is not only a loss for the cycling calendar, but also for the Thuringia region. The race has become a fixture over the years and not only offered exciting stages, but also media presence for the Free State. At the last edition in 2024, the US American Ruth Edwards (née Winder) from Team Human Powered Health triumphed. The tour was an important platform for female athletes to compete at an international level and demonstrate their skills.

Impact on the cycling calendar

The cancellation of the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour leaves a noticeable gap in the international cycling calendar. The race was not only important for the athletes, but also for teams, sponsors and fans. It offered an important opportunity for up-and-coming talent to compete against established riders and gain experience at the highest level. The cancellation could also have an impact on the riders' preparation for other important races of the season, as the Tour was often seen as an important test of form.

The future of women's cycling in Germany

The cancellation of the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour raises questions about the future of women's cycling in Germany. It shows the ongoing challenges in the financing and organisation of major cycling events, especially in the women's sector. The organisers, athletes and fans now hope that the decision will serve as a wake-up call and possibly attract new supporters and sponsors to secure the future of the race and similar events. It remains to be seen what long-term effects this development will have on the cycling landscape in Germany.