Jayco Herald Sun Tour hopes for a women's race

Herald Sun Tour race director John Trevorrow has revealed plans to introduce a women’s edition of the event in 2018.

Speaking at the launch of the 2017 men’s tour in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday, Trevorrow said a women’s venture would be dependent on funding but was definitely being entertained.

“In our planning for 2018 we are putting together a proposal to all sponsors to have a women’s event, it’s what we want,” Trevorrow said.

“I’ve always wanted to have a women’s race but it’s all about funding and about sponsorship. There’s no way it can be done on current funding. I don’t want to do it as a second class citizen [race]. They’ve tried before as sort of an add-on but I thought was disrespectful.”

The men’s tour has benefited from a recent revamp with triple Tour de France champion Chris Froome (Sky) as well as Orica-BikeExchange teammates Simon Gerrans and Esteban Chaves on the 2017 start-list.

The five-day race in February concludes an intense period of professional racing in Australia, starting with the Tour Down Under in January and the proceeding Cadel Evan’s Great Ocean Road Race; both of which have corresponding female competitions.

Trevorrow said there were a few logistical options in terms of hosting a women’s Sun Tour but reiterated the issue of funding. The Victorian State Government is currently a major backer of the men’s contest.

“Women’s sport is getting very different reactions from everywhere, from sponsors, promoters and from the public,” he said.

“You can see in football and everything else how it’s taken off, so cycling is no different. We see it as a part of the future of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.”