The 2025 edition of the Trofeo Ponente in Rosa will not take place, with organisers citing a lack of funding and a failed agreement with the city of Genova. The decision to cancel the fourth edition of the women’s stage race was confirmed by Piernicola Pesce, president of ASD Loabikers, in a statement that highlighted financial challenges despite strong local support from some municipalities.
Scheduled for 11th-13th March 2025, the race was set to feature a three-day programme:
- An individual time trial prologue in Loano,
- A road stage from Genova to Borghetto Santo Spirito,
- A concluding stage in Diano Marina
However, Pesce made it clear that the necessary financial backing was not secured. “The race is not happening, and the reason is the lack of funds,” he said. “We at Loabikers put our hearts into this, and some municipalities—Loano, Borghetto Santo Spirito, and Diano Marina—showed great collaboration. The Marina di Loano also stepped up to provide resources. A big thank you to the Liguria Region as well.”
He went on to stress the significance of the event in bringing top-level riders to the area. “Over the years, we have hosted Olympic and World Champions in road, track, and off-road disciplines. This year, we would have had riders from five continents, ensuring significant tourism promotion. Organising a stage race like the Ponente in Rosa means covering food and accommodation for at least 450 people over four days, not to mention all the technical costs. If certain support is missing, it’s pointless to take risks.”
Genoa disputes claims
Genoa was set to host a stage start for the first time, aligning with its role in Liguria 2025 Regione Europea dello Sport. However, the city’s sports councillor, Alessandra Bianchi, expressed surprise and disappointment at the cancellation, rejecting claims that the city failed to support the event.
“We enthusiastically accepted the request for Genoa to host a stage start, despite the proposal arriving only two months before the event,” she said. “We confirmed our willingness to support the event, providing financial aid through services from municipal companies and the local police, covering nearly the entire proposed budget.”
Bianchi also pointed out that the city had already completed all necessary logistical and organisational preparations before the official presentation on 21st February. “I don’t believe the cancellation can be blamed on the city of Genoa. The reasons lie elsewhere.”
Last year’s race was dominated by the EF Education-Cannondale team who won 3 stages and finished 1-2-3 in the GC standings.
Main photo credit: Flaviano Ossola
