The Joe Martin Stage Race, a fixture in the cycling calendar for over four decades, has been cancelled for 2024, with organisers citing challenges in securing funding amidst rising costs. Bruce Dunn, the Race Director, expressed regret over the decision in an official announcement today, highlighting the event’s long-standing history and commitment to professional cycling.
“After 46 years of amateur stage racing, 21 years on the USA Cycling professional calendar and nine years on the UCI international calendar, we’ve had to make the very difficult decision to cancel the 2024 event due to the rising costs of producing a multi-day stage race coupled with limited corporate and stakeholder sponsorship and funding,” Dunn explained.
The cancellation comes as a blow to the cycling community, leaving a significant void in the North American road racing calendar. With only two multi-day events remaining at the UCI 2.2 level, the absence of the Joe Martin Stage Race is keenly felt by riders and fans alike.
Reflecting on the race’s legacy, Dunn highlighted its role in promoting professional cycling in Arkansas and beyond. “We have literally been bringing the world of professional cycling to Arkansas for over two decades and the pathway to the Olympics, World Championships and the World Tour Teams and events such as the Tour de France have included the Joe Martin Stage Race,” he emphasised.
The event, which began in 1978 as the Fayetteville Spring Classic before being renamed in honour of Joe Martin in 1989, has played a pivotal role in the careers of numerous cyclists. Notable winners include Neilson Powless and Chloé Dygert, who have gone on to achieve success on the international stage.
Despite the setback, organisers remain optimistic about the race’s future, with plans already underway to reboot the event in 2025. Dunn expressed gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, and the Fayetteville community for their support and vowed to return with a top-tier line-up of sponsors.
“We are committed to finding future sponsors for the professional UCI stage race and to bringing it back in 2025 bigger and better,” Dunn affirmed. “The Joe Martin Stage Race was our first event and started our career in event production,” he added, underscoring the event’s significance in the sporting landscape.
In addition to the Joe Martin Stage Race, All Sports Productions is known for organising a variety of cycling, running, and triathlon events, each aimed at promoting a healthy, multi-sport lifestyle. The company remains dedicated to producing races of the highest standards, fostering community engagement and participation.
