The 37th edition of the Thüringen Ladies Tour, scheduled to run from 17th to 22nd June, is at risk of cancellation following the withdrawal of crucial funding from the Free State of Thuringia. Organisers face a financial shortfall of around €200,000 after the regional government confirmed it would no longer provide support at this level. MDR.de reported on the news yesterday, that the race is in under threat due to the late withdrawal of crucial funding for the 2025 edition.
The Thuringian State Chancellery cited budget constraints as the primary reason for cutting support, explaining:
“Support in the required six-figure amount is not possible. It is possible for the state government to provide support on a small scale.”
Further subsidies would reportedly conflict with the guidelines set out in the Thuringian Sports Promotion Act, given the event’s status as privately run.
Photo Credit: Arne Mill/T.RF SportmarketingTour organisers facing uncertainty
Tour director Vera Hohlfeld acknowledged that the withdrawal of the state’s contribution leaves organisers in a precarious situation. She confirmed there was “no realistic possibility of compensating for the funds planned in advance from last year,” leaving the race’s immediate future uncertain. This announcement comes despite advanced preparations, including nearly finalised route planning, signed sponsorship contracts, and logistical arrangements at host venues.
Political reaction and criticism
The withdrawal of funding has drawn criticism from local politicians and sporting figures. Andreas Schubert, sports spokesman for the Left Party, highlighted potential long-term damage to Thuringia’s sporting reputation:
“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 Hanka Kupfernagel expressed shock at the news, adding:
“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 has urged all parties involved to reconsider their positions and find a workable solution.
Photo Credit: Arne Mill/T.RF SportmarketingThe Thüringen Ladies Tour is a well-established fixture on the international cycling calendar, attracting a strong field annually. Last year’s event saw American Ruth Winder take overall victory, with participation from over 100 riders, including ten WorldTour teams. Losing the race would severely affect both women’s cycling visibility and the region’s standing as a host of elite international sporting events. In recent years, the race had been talking up its chances of being included in the Women’s WorldTour, but its calendar slot clashed with other events like the RideLondon Classique at the time.
A petition to keep the race going by showing the support for it can be signed here.
