History beckons in stage race changes
AUSTRALIA’S oldest stage race has been given a new look, with an inaugural women’s race set to elevate the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
The 65th edition of the event also secured new government and sponsorship deals, and the race took on a new sheen at yesterday’s launch.
In the first UCI-sanctioned Women’s Herald Sun Tour, riders from 17 teams will lock horns in a Healesville road race and Melbourne CBD time-trial on January 30-31.
Rising Australian star Macey Stewart, who has just returned to the pro circuit with Wiggle High5 after a year’s break, could scarcely believe her timing.
“It’s so exciting for me, especially in this period of my life and getting back into it,” Stewart said.
“I raced the (National Road Series) this year, signed a professional contract and now I get to race in the Aussie Summer of Cycling and the Jayco Herald Sun Tour; I think I’m going to be in awe of everything around me, but I’ll race as hard as I can.
“I’ve watched the Herald Sun Tour and it’s always been a really inspiring event, so for the women to be a part of it, and to be able to race it at this level, is very exciting for women’s sport.”
Stewart, 21, will juggle track and road commitments next year. The Tasmanian’s major goal is the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with the Australian track endurance squad.
That means she will be more suited to the 1.6km time- trial on January 31 than the 123.5km road race the day before, but was nevertheless looking forward to mixing it with some of the biggest names in the sport.
“The opportunity to race against people like Annemiek (van Vleuten) is a massive inspiration. I aim to be like her one day, so hopefully I can learn a lot from the amazing female athletes who will be racing and try to beat them,” Stewart said.
“It will be really good to take it to Orica-Scott. I first went pro with Orica, so they’re still quite close to my heart and it will be interesting racing some of my close friends. But as soon as we get on that start line, it will be all guns blazing.”
The Victorian Government committed to a threeyear deal with the race and recreation vehicle giant Jayco signed on for another three as naming rights partner.
“It’s an iconic event and it’s growing year on year,” Jayco Australia owner Gerry Ryan said. “With the government making a three-year commitment through Visit Victoria and the Herald Sun, I had to get on board.”