After years of uncertainty and postponed plans, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour will return in 2026 — and for the first time, the women’s race will match the men’s in stage count, prize money and prominence. Set entirely in and around Ballarat, the revamped event marks a landmark step forward for women’s racing in Australia under the direction of Olympic gold medallist Grace Brown.
First raced in 2018 and last held in 2020, the women’s Herald Sun Tour has historically played second fiddle to the men’s event — shorter, less visible, and without the parity seen elsewhere on the calendar. That will change in 2026. For the first time, both pelotons will face five stages, with equal prize purses and equal billing.
“I’m thrilled to contribute to a race that places equality at its core,” said Brown, who is also President of The Cyclists’ Alliance and an SBS commentator. “There is no other event in Australia that does exactly that. It’s something I’m really passionate about, so I’m happy to put my name to it.”
The return of the race fills a noticeable gap in the domestic calendar. “At the moment, there is a gap in the calendar for this sort of bridging event,” Brown added. “We’ll see teams staying from [the Santos Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race] and racing the Sun Tour. Historically, this race has been a real stepping stone in the development of some of the best riders in Australia, and I think that’s a story we really want to support.”
Ballarat locked in as host city
In a major shift from previous editions that toured the wider Victoria region, all five stages of both the men’s and women’s races will be based in Ballarat and surrounding shires, secured under a two-year deal. The move is already being welcomed by the city’s leaders and local cycling community.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said, “We are extremely proud to host the return of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour. After a long hiatus, being able to host the triumphant return of the treasured race will be a great moment for Ballarat.”
“To be the first city to host the entire Herald Sun Tour cements our position as a sports events destination and the home of cycling in Australia.”
The race will kick off just three days after the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, extending the summer racing block and creating a two-week celebration of elite cycling in regional Victoria.
Tourism and business leaders also hailed the announcement, predicting a boost to local cafes, hotels, and venues as riders, staff and spectators descend on the area.
“This is a huge win for Ballarat,” said Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, “because not only will our community get to see the world’s best cyclists up close, but it will also be a huge boost for our local businesses.”
A race with history — and missed chances
The women’s edition of the Herald Sun Tour was first run in 2018, with Brodie Chapman taking victory ahead of Lucy Kennedy, who would go on to win back-to-back overall titles in 2019 and 2020. Stage winners over the three editions include Ella Harris, Arlenis Sierra, Chloe Hosking, Lucy Kennedy and Brodie Chapman. Each of those races featured only two stages.
The men’s race, stretching back to 1952, has hosted Tour de France winners such as Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins, and was won most recently by Jai Hindley in 2020.
Attempts to revive the race in recent years were unsuccessful. It was initially intended to return in 2023 but was cancelled due to “logistical, planning, timing, and workforce challenges,” according to organisers. Though it reappeared on the UCI calendar in October 2024 for a 2025 return (listed for 5th–9th February), by November, Sarah Gigante pointed out its quiet removal once again — dashing hopes for another year.
This time, however, feels different. The presence of Brown and Scott McGrory as race directors, alongside backing from the City of Ballarat, News Corp, and the Victorian Government, suggests a more stable foundation.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos underlined the broader benefits: “It is great to bring this world-class event back to Ballarat, showcasing the region and boosting hotels, restaurants and cafes across the region in the process.”
What to expect on the road
While final stage routes are still under wraps, organisers have promised a mix of sprint and climbing days, using Ballarat’s varied terrain. Mount Buninyong, long-time host of the national championships, is expected to feature — though McGrory has indicated the stages won’t be “too brutal” and will include routes through Creswick, Trentham, and Learmonth.
Commentator Matthew Keenan, speaking at the launch, highlighted the race’s rich past. “What it did, particularly throughout the 1980s, was bring the stars of the Tour de France to Australia… Annemiek van Vleuten rode the race, and Chris Froome rode it before and after his Tour wins. It’s been a pretty cool race for cycling.”
With the National Championships leaving Ballarat for Perth after 18 consecutive years, the return of the Herald Sun Tour fills a void — and does so with renewed energy, a firm focus on equality, and a clear role in the development of Australian women’s cycling.
