Lack of numbers has forced Launceston Cycling Festival organisers to cancel this year’s elite women’s race.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Traditionally raced as the curtain-raiser to the elite men’s Stan Siejka Classic, the race had grown to offer equal prize money, making it one of Australia’s richest women’s criterium races.
However, it never enjoyed similar participation and last year saw 22 women chasing the same prize money as 89 men.
A clash of dates with mainland races at a traditionally hectic time of year saw a further drop in entries and prompted the cancellation.
A statement said: “The Launceston Cycling Festival has been proud in its achievement of delivering equal prize money for both the elite men’s and women’s criterium races, in a sporting environment that is still working towards this principle.”
Several teams and riders said they were unavailable due to travel and work commitments, financial constraints and a National Road Series focus.
The November 11 festival will feature a number of local and junior races, with events beginning at 11.45am.
It was officially launched in Launceston on Thursday night with guests including three-time winner Matt Goss and SBS commentator Mike Tomalaris.