The women's racing scene is much smaller in Ireland than men's racing. However, the growing campaign in international cycling for equal prize money for men and women has found its way to Ireland, with the Stephen Roche GP to award equal prizes later this month (Photo with thanks to Gerry Murray)
Named after the first and only Irish rider to win the Tour de France, the Stephen Roche Grand Prix is to become the first event to offer equal prize money to men and women.
The push for equal status for male and female athletes has been gaining ground in world sport.
However, while some international bike races have made the jump and offered equal prize money, progress on the world stage has been slow.
The US Cup Pro Series mountain bike event and the Koppenbergcross cyclocross race have both offered equal prize money.
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However, the women’s scene in Ireland considerably smaller the men’s, it seemed it would be some time before any Irish event would do the same.
But Orwell Wheelers has decided it will lead the charge.
James Davenport – in black kit – of South Dublin CC on his way to a fantastic win at the Stephen Roche GP in south Dublin last year (Photo: Dermot Cooney Photography)
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The south Dublin club, which has been heavily linked to the development of women’s cycling in Ireland, has revealed equal sums of prize money will be on offer at the Stephen Roche GP on June 24th.
In the past, the prize fund has been around €1,000. Prizes have gone to the first eight over the line, first two unplaced A2s and A3s, first unplaced junior, woman and club rider.
This time around there will be a separate women’s race which is to be sponsored by estate agents Lisney, which has an office in Dundrum close to where the race is run.
The Cavern on Baggott Street will sponsor a prime on the night, with the winner enjoying a dinner for two at the newly opened wine bar.
The event will, as usual, take place over a 1.3km course in the Meadown Mount housing estate in Ballinteer.
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