Thuringia tour of women 2025: Cancellation shocked cycling fans!

Thuringia tour of women 2025: Cancellation shocked cycling fans!

The cancellation of the traditional Thuringia tour for women, which was an integral part of the cycling calendar for almost 40 years, ensures disappointment in the region and beyond. It is a tart setback for women's cycling, which has become increasingly important in recent years. The 37th edition of the "Lotto Thuringia Ladies Tour", originally planned from June 17th to 22nd, 2025, was canceled for financial reasons. The total budget for the event was around 650,000 euros, but promised funding of 200,000 euros was unexpectedly deleted by the new state government under Prime Minister Mario Voigt (CDU).

The head of the Teora Hohlfeld made it clear that because of the abrupt cuts, it was too short -term to close the financial hole. "A privately organized tour cannot be financed almost 80 percent from public funds," replied the State Chancellery, which causes a lot of displeasure. Hohlfeld sees it very differently: she described the cancellation as disrespectful to the team and vehemently contradicted that the tour is not an international advertising platform for Thuringia. "Compared to the funding for football, we find the financial support for cycling unjust," she said.

willingness to talk to the state government

Mario Voigt signaled the state government's willingness to talk, but it remains to be seen whether a rethink will take place among the organizers. The State Chancellery had already made an improved range of support, but the organizers considered it inadequate to eliminate the uncertainties in the financial situation. On March 17th, Hohlfeld and her colleague Marian Koppe announced the cancellation of the tour and referred to the critical financial support of the Free State of Thuringia as the main reason for the withdrawal.

The loss of a highlight in women's cycling is particularly unfortunate, which has attracted over 100 starters, including numerous top drivers, and ten World Tour teams in recent years. The review of the previous edition in 2024 shows that the American triumphed Ruth Winder and the event was an important platform for athletes. Hohlfeld announced that a detailed statement on the background of the cancellation should follow in the coming week.

future of the event uncertain