Mounting operational costs and growing economic uncertainty have forced the April 2025 Snowy Classic gran fondo in Australia to cancel, according announcements from the organizer.

“We deeply regret having to cancel the 2025 Snowy Classic, this decision has not been made lightly,” said organizer James Yaffa. “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the riders, our funding partner Destination NSW, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, and the amazing volunteers and community at large who have embraced the Snowy Classic and made it so special.”

The event planned for over 1500 riders in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales first took place in 2022 on the same roads used by L’Etape Australia – which was also called off due to financial woes.

One of five gran fondo events originally organized by Yaffa, the Snowy Classic was billed as the premier gran fondo in the series, with a 5 year partnership agreement signed by the State of New South Wale to co-host the event.

Unfortunately, the rising costs associated with hosting such an event have become unsustainable and the event will not return, leaving the series with just two events – Bowral Classic (October 2024) and Mudgee Classic (May 2025).

It is the second major Australian cycling event to cancel recently, with the very popular Dams Challenge also calling it quits after 25 years due to economic struggles. Harsh economic realities this year are also hitting major long running events elsewhere, Joe Martin Stage Race and Ride The Rockies in the USA were also cancelled.

Riders already registered for the 2025 Snowy Classic will receive a full refund, according to the event website.

Photo Credit: Cycling Classics

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