Women’s Tour to take one-year hiatus after funding shortfall, planning for 2024 event already underway

The Women’s Tour will take a one-year hiatus, it has been announced. Organisers of the event said in a statement that the decision was taken after a three-week renewed appeal for funding.

Ad The 2023 event – due to run in June – has been cancelled after an increase in running costs coupled with a reduction in commercial support. Ronde van VlaanderenTeam Jumbo-Visma’s Van Baarle ruled out of Tour of Flanders15 HOURS AGO “The Women’s Tour, the award-winning and trailblazing cycle race, will take a one-year hiatus in 2023,” began the statement.

“Owing to a combination of increased running costs (approximately 20% higher in comparison to the 2022 race), a reduced level of commercial support, and challenges in finding a vehicle partner to replace Skoda to help create a safe racing environment for riders and spectators alike, it has proved impossible to deliver the event that was proposed for June." The 2023 Women's Tour was expected to begin on Wednesday June 7 in Warwickshire, and organisers had previously launched a crowdfunding campaign in an attempt to make up the shortfall in sponsorship. “The decision has been taken now following a three-week renewed appeal for funding," added the statement, «which included an incredibly popular crowdfunding scheme that was enthusiastically supported by over 500 race fans.

»The Women’s Tour thanks everybody who donated for their unwavering loyalty, as well as all the messages of goodwill that have been sent. A refunds process, overseen by the GoFundMe platform, has begun.” Organisers added in a statement that preparations had begun for next year’s event, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the race.