The Women’s Tour, Britain’s longest-running international women’s cycle race, will take a one-year hiatus in 2023.
Created by SweetSpot Group in 2014, the Women’s Tour is the UK’s first international stage race for women, bringing the world’s top riders to compete in Great Britain as a part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour.
SweetSpot noted that… ‘Owing to a combination of increased running costs (approximately 20% higher in comparison to the 2022 race) and a reduced level of commercial support, it has proved impossible to deliver the event that was proposed for June.
‘The decision has been taken now following a three-week renewed appeal for funding, 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.
‘This outcome is incredibly disappointing for the stakeholders set to host this year’s race, who have shown great support and understanding throughout this process. We will continue to work with them to explore opportunities for hosting world-class cycling events in the near future.’
The Women’s Tour has a prestigious list of former winners, including the likes of Marianne Vos (2014), Elisa Longo Borghini (2022), and home favourite Lizzie Deigan, the only two-time winner of the race to date (2016 and 2019).
Since its inauguration in 2014, the race has led the way in gender equality in sport – from raising rider welfare standards and prize money to providing TV, online and media coverage.
In addition to reportedly generating over £55m for the UK economy, the event has featured a partnership with Breast Cancer Now, energised future generations through its school engagement programme, and showcased the best of Britain’s best towns, cities and countryside to an international audience.
The organisers are already working on plans for next year’s edition, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the first Women’s Tour. Wales will host the event’s Grand Départ for the first time as part of a long-term agreement already in place with the Welsh Government.
