After the end of the Thuringian Lotto Ladies Tour, Gera is bringing a new women's race to the streets. The city is organising the LOTTO Thüringen Women Cycling Challenge as a UCI 1.1 ProSeries event. The one-day race replaces the traditional stage race, which was the only internationally recognised women's stage race in Germany.
The route measures 123.8 kilometres and includes more than 2000 metres of elevation gain. These requirements make the race a real challenge for the riders. The organisers have opted for a demanding route through the Thuringian countryside, which requires tactical skill and climbing ability.
Eleven Continental teams in the Women Cycling Challenge
Eleven teams from the UCI Continental category have confirmed their participation. The starting field is made up of teams from all over Europe. Human Powered Health, VolkerWessels Cycling Team and Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto Generation are among the registered teams. Other teams are LKT Team, MAT Atom Deweloper Wrocław and Citymesh - Customm Pro Cycling Team.
Dukla Women Cycling comes from the Czech Republic. Meridian Bikebug and O'Shea Red Chilli Bikes represent Australian cycling. REMBE | RAD-NET Women and Wheel Divas Cycling Team complete the field of participants. All teams are focussing on the promotion of young female riders and development in a professional environment.
Promoting talent as a common goal
The participating teams pursue similar approaches in their work. The promotion of talent is at the heart of their programmes. The aim is for young female drivers to gain racing experience and develop their skills by taking part in international competitions. The teams work on the continuous improvement of performance and tactical understanding.
The race in Gera offers the athletes a platform to measure themselves against the competition. For many riders, the one-day race is an important step on their way to the top of the world rankings. Taking part allows them to draw attention to themselves through their performances and collect world ranking points.
Long-term career planning and establishing themselves in professional cycling are among the core objectives of the teams. The LOTTO Thüringen Women Cycling Challenge supports these goals by being categorised as a UCI 1.1 ProSeries event. This category guarantees international attention and sporting significance.
Supporting programme and free admission
The event will take place on Sunday, 21 June 2026. Spectators can follow the race free of charge. A supporting programme will accompany the sporting action along the route and in the finish area. The organisers are expecting numerous visitors along the route.
The city of Gera wants to establish a new cycling highlight in Thuringia with the Women Cycling Challenge. The event aims to bring top-level women's cycling to the region. The combination of a challenging course and a strong field of participants promises exciting races.
Leon Weidner
Working student
