The organisers of the former LOTTO Thüringen Ladies Tour have announced plans to bring top-level women’s cycling back to the region, confirming that a new UCI international one-day race is set to debut in June 2026.
After the long-running stage race was abruptly cancelled earlier this year, the group behind the event has regrouped to continue Thüringen’s proud cycling tradition. The new project, already registered with the UCI, is described as the first step toward a wider revival of international women’s competition in central Germany.
According to the organisers, the concept for the new format is complete, with work now focused on finding a host city and securing funding. “Our goal is to deliver a thrilling race for both spectators and riders, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Thuringian landscape,” they said.
While optimism remains high, organisers acknowledge that the project faces financial hurdles. “After the shock cancellation in the spring, it will not be easy to make up for the loss to the sporting landscape in Thüringen,” they explained. “The biggest challenge is establishing a stable financial base to ensure the event’s continuation.”
The statement called on sponsors, local authorities, and fans to support the project, describing the initiative as an opportunity to preserve Thüringen’s role as one of the heartlands of women’s cycling.
A race with a rich history
The Thüringen Ladies Tour had been a mainstay of the women’s calendar for nearly four decades, first held in the late 1980s and evolving into a prestigious UCI stage race that regularly attracted some of the biggest names in the sport. Over the years, the event became renowned for its challenging terrain, enthusiastic crowds, and strong organisational pedigree, with multiple world champions and Olympic medallists among its past winners.
In recent editions, the race crowned several of the sport’s most prominent riders. Ruth Edwards won the final edition in 2024 ahead of Mischa Bredewold and Brodie Chapman, while Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes dominated in 2023. Previous winners also include Alexandra Manly, Lucinda Brand, Lisa Brennauer, Emma Johansson, Evelyn Stevens, and Judith Arndt – a roll of honour that reflects the depth and prestige the Thüringen event once commanded.
Throughout its long history, the race had been a proving ground for emerging German talent and a fixture that connected local fans to the global women’s peloton. Riders such as Trixi Worrack, Hanka Kupfernagel, and Ina-Yoko Teutenberg all achieved major results in Thüringen, helping to cement Germany’s reputation as one of Europe’s key nations in women’s cycling.
Photo Credit: Sascha Fromm / Thüringer Allgemeine
Looking to the future
With the new UCI race proposal, the organisers aim not just to revive a single event but to rebuild a foundation for long-term sustainability in women’s racing across Germany. The hope is that the 2026 race can eventually expand back into a multi-day format, once again becoming a landmark event in the international calendar.
The revival effort underlines the enduring importance of Thüringen to the sport’s history – and the determination of local organisers to ensure that women’s cycling continues to have a home there for years to come.