“In recent years, we have repeatedly taken steps to also get more equality in the Amstel Gold Race,” said Els Dijkhuizen, the marketing director at Heineken Nederland, as reported in AD.nl through cyclingnews.com.
“From the playful action with the lap masters to a joint team presentation of men and women, which was unique in cycling. In addition, we have gradually increased the prize money in recent years and from the upcoming edition, we will raise it to be completely equal for both men and women,” Els added.
“It is a big step forward. If you see where women’s cycling comes from and where we are now, it really makes a world of difference,” said race director Leontien Zijlaard-Van Moorsel. “The development to get more equality in cycling has taken off in recent years. I am proud that we are always taking innovative steps in the Amstel Gold Race and taking on a leading role.”
Amstel Gold Race followed in the footsteps of the Tour of Flanders, which increased the women’s prize money purse to €50,000, and the Classic Brugge-De Panne, which increased the women’s prize purse to €40,000.
And what about the Grand Tours? The Tour de France Femmes and Giro d’Italia Donne will offer a prize money purse of €250,000. However, that is still significantly lower than their respective men’s editions. The winner of the Tour’s men’s edition will earn €500,000 while the runner up will get €250,000 and the overall third-place finisher will be rewarded with €125,000.
