The 37th edition of the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour has been officially cancelled after organisers confirmed today they could not bridge a substantial financial shortfall following the withdrawal of crucial funding from the Free State of Thuringia. Scheduled to run from 17th to 22nd June 2025, the event was left facing a deficit of around €200,000 after the regional government confirmed last week it would no longer maintain previous levels of financial support.
Despite the state government’s attempts to find smaller-scale solutions, race director Vera Hohlfeld and event director Marian Koppe explained in their joint statement today:
“We see no possibility to compensate for the difference required for a successful and safe Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour, which meets our own standards as well as the UCI’s.”
Financial uncertainty proves insurmountable
As reported last week, the Thuringian State Chancellery had indicated that budget constraints prevented continued funding at the necessary level, emphasising:
“Support in the required six-figure amount is not possible. It is possible for the state government to provide support on a small scale.”
This stance was driven partly by restrictions within the Thuringian Sports Promotion Act, limiting substantial subsidies for privately run events.
Organisational impacts made recovery impossible
With less than three months to the scheduled start, organisers faced increasing challenges due to delays caused by financial uncertainty. Essential planning, including finalising routes, logistics with host cities, and securing additional sponsors, had largely stalled by mid-February. Organisers explained:
“Due to the uncertain financial situation that became existential by mid to late February, many important organisational and press meetings were put on hold. It’s now impossible to catch up within three months, and the financial risk of continuing any further work was simply unmanageable.”
Political criticism and reaction
Last week’s revelations about potential cancellation already sparked criticism from local political and sporting figures. Andreas Schubert, sports spokesman for the Left Party, argued strongly against the state’s withdrawal of support:
“It is a blow for sport in Thuringia if the event cannot take place due to the lack of support from the state. The sum had already been budgeted in the draft budget for 2025, which makes it even more incomprehensible.”
Former World Champion and prominent local cycling figure Hanka Kupfernagel previously expressed shock, highlighting the significance of the event for regional pride and international visibility:
“I thought it was an early April Fool’s joke. How can you not be proud of an event that has grown over three decades and is broadcast all over the world every day? It is such a great image advertisement for our Free State of Thuringia.”
Kupfernagel had urged reconsideration, but organisers today made clear that no feasible resolution had emerged.
Significant loss for women’s cycling
The Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour has consistently attracted a high-calibre field, including multiple WorldTour teams and elite riders from around the globe. Last year’s event saw American Ruth Edwards secure overall victory thanks in part to a successful breakaway on the opening stage. The organisers have committed to releasing a comprehensive statement next week, outlining the complete circumstances surrounding this challenging decision.
