The 2.1-rank Lotto Belgium Tour was scheduled to start at the prologue in Mette and finish five days later in Gerardsbergen, but organizers announced on Tuesday that the race would not take place.

The race, which started in 2012, was scheduled to run from June 14 to June 18. The start list includes WorldTour teams SD Walks, Trek-Segafredo, Human Powered Health, and Phoenix Deceuninck, as well as AG Insurance Soudal-Quick Step, Lotto Doustony Ladies, and Australian Team UCI teams such as Bridge Lane, as well as national and club teams were named.

"There were some unforeseen challenges, which had a big impact on the budget and safety," Tom Thienpont, race organizer of the Lotto Belgium Tour, told Het Nieuwsblad.

"Last Friday, we were told by one of the municipalities that they could not guarantee that there would be no parking, one-way streets, or detours," Thienpont explained.

"This is from a local municipality/town whose mayor is a fan of road racing. Outsourcing to an outside firm was not feasible in the short term due to budgetary constraints."

The race is not the only women's event facing a battle for survival. The Women's Tour, which was scheduled to open this weekend, became the latest casualty. Race organizer Sweet Spot has canceled the 2023 Women's World Tour race due to rising costs and declining commercial support.

In an official statement, Thienpont said, "With death on our minds, the safety of our riders, followers, and the public has always been our top priority, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we can no longer guarantee it for this race. We had our strongest turnout in years, making this a five-day event for everyone to enjoy."

Organizers noted in the preface to this year's edition of the race book that they are facing considerable financial difficulties and that many of the organizers who have helped pave the way for the professionalization of women's cycling are in danger of being squeezed.

This began with COVID-19 and has been exacerbated by challenges such as rising costs and economic uncertainty. Organizer Tom Thienpont stated in his introduction, "We could have thrown in the towel, but we refused, convinced of the value our race has for women's cycling in Belgium."

The plan was not to cancel the race, but to expand it from three to five days and add a live stream.

When this decision was communicated, riders had already begun to gather, and while it may have meant a change in race plans for the pro riders on the start list, it was a major and costly lost opportunity for other talented riders.

"I am very shocked to hear that the Belgium Tour has been cancelled. I am very shocked to hear that the Belgium Tour has been cancelled. That's why I came all the way from Australia with a local team to compete in this tournament."