After 25 years the popular and long running Dams Challenge road cycling event in Western Australia has been cancelled. It will not continue due to ongoing economic turmoil and insurmountable financial challenges according to organizer WestCycle.

Noting significant increases in event costs, diminished sponsorship and riders facing higher cost-of-living challenges, the organizer made the painful decision to cancel the event.

“It’s with a very heavy heart that we make this announcement for our marquee event and a beloved one among the road cycling community in Perth, the State and beyond,” said organizer Wayne Bradshaw of WestCycle.

Financial analysis showed entry costs would have to rise significantly to make the event viable, creating significant concerns about whether attendance would drop precipitously. In addition, restrictions around event timing, plus a broader downturn in mass participation sporting events, also factored into the decision.

“WestCycle inherited what was already a popular event from Bicycling Western Australia (BWA) in 2019, but two COVID-driven cancellations dented continuity and commitment. After the WestCycle Board considered the high risks in operational complexity, weather and associated costs, it become clear we couldn’t proceed with the event,” Bradshaw added.

In April 2023 over 1000 cyclists participated in the 25th Dams Challenge, taking on demanding routes based the number of water reservoir dams crossed : 54km Two Dams, 132km Three Dams and the epic “Dammit this hurts” 204km Five Dams.

Photo Credit: Dams Challenge

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