The major paired marathon stage races around the globe have settled on 4 or 5 race categories: Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Masters, and sometimes Grand Masters (50+ per rider). While men’s teams have often received the most attention and prize money, women’s teams are often now on equal prize money. Organisers of the Old Mutual joBerg2c have announced that mixed teams will receive equal prize-money to men in the 2016 race.
Mixed racing can involve an element of support – either way.
Why is this a big deal? Well the UCI doesn’t even say that women need to received equal prize money to men. The joBerg2c isn’t a UCI sanctioned race, but they realise that while there may not be huge lists of entrants in women’s teams, women racing mixed can be more appealing, especially in a 9 day race.
“Our research has shown that women prefer racing longer stage races with a male partner,” said race director Craig Wapnick. He said the extra cash commitment was made possible by commercial law firm Lanham-Love Attorneys, who had come on board as prize-money sponsors for the mixed category.
The Black Tusk mixed team at the 2012 Translp. They won the MIxed Pair category and were a well-oiled machine.
“They are also experts on matrimonial matters, which is why this is a perfect partnership. Mountain biking either leads to marriage or divorce,” Wapnick quipped.
That’s a good point by Wapnick. I married Imogen Smith, after first doing Transalp together in 2013. Stage racing gives us a reason to travel.
The move, which will see the top mixed team earn a R50 000 bonus, is aimed at attracting more female riders to the nine-day event, he said.
“Although we would have loved more female-only teams taking part, the growth has been slower than anticipated. Despite us trying to attract women with equal prize-money in the past, we have not had the support. Yet, the mixed category continues to grow. It is a chicken and egg story but we made the decision to support the mixed to capture the imagination of strong local and international teams.”
Leading the international entries in the mixed section so far are Sonya Looney (FreakShow) from the United States, the current world 24-hour champion, and teammate Yuki Ikeda (Topeak Ergon) from Japan.
Sonya Looney – she can ride. She’ll team up with Yuki Ikeda.
They will face top local teams such as Grant Usher and world single speed champion Amy Beth McDougal (Valencia/joBerg2c), who placed second and first respectively in the inaugural Munga recently. Usher pipped Ikeda for the last podium position at last year’s world single speed champs in Japan.
Wapnick said they had seen the same trend unfolding in other long stage races.
“If more women’s teams start entering, we will adjust the prize-money accordingly. I’m sure that once more females are introduced to our event through the mixed section, they might start forming teams. But, for now, we would rather have more women riding than not.”
The prize purse for the Old Mutual joBerg2c will be R350 000, which is an increase of around 40 per cent.
In addition, City Lodge will sponsor the age group categories with fantastic accommodation prizes worth R150 000.
Go to www.joberg2c.co.za for a full breakdown of the prize-money.
Entries for the 2016 race, which takes place from April 22 to 28, close on January 31.