The much-anticipated Giro della Donna, set for 22–23 November 2025 in Marysville, Victoria, will not proceed this year.

“It is with great sadness that, after careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision that we’re unable to proceed with this year’s edition,” the organisers note in their event update.

They haven't given any word yet about 2026.

Over its run, the Giro della Donna became a hallmark of Australia’s cycling calendar: a courageous mix of asphalt and alpine gravel, a timed climb up Lake Mountain, a 13-km gravel sector through rainforest, and a festival feel that drew first-timers and hardened climbers alike.

What went wrong

According to the organisers’ message, “a number of external factors, including rising supplier and delivery costs, have made it challenging to stage the event to the standard we believe it deserves.”

Specifically, traffic management costs are said to have soared by 30%.

All existing entries will be fully refunded.

A familiar kind of disappointment

This cancellation echoes what happened just a month ago with the Dirty Warrny, also reportedly organised by Locale Events. That event was cancelled at the last minute for 2025, with entries transferred to 2026 or refunds offered.

In the case of the Giro, press reports link Locale as the organiser (or at least a past organiser) of the event.

Final thought

We don’t know all the behind-the-scenes details here, and we’re not aiming to cast blame. But for the cycling community this is a blow. The Giro della Donna had carved out a unique space in Australia’s event map, and its absence this year will leave a gap.

Here’s hoping the organisers figure it out, and that we see this special ride return in future.