Jayco Herald Sun Tour Women

This is the first serious stage-race test of the southern hemisphere season, run in midsummer heat across Victoria's varied terrain. It attracts a strong domestic field and visiting internationals looking for early form, and the short format means every stage carries weight. The race often finishes with a summit or punchy road stage that settles the general classification in the final hours.

The route typically includes one or two road stages with climbing, a time trial, and at least one stage suited to sprinters or breakaway specialists. The general classification is usually decided by whoever can combine time-trial speed with climbing strength, particularly on the final day when the race often heads inland toward higher ground. Heat management and recovery between stages matter as much as raw power. Crosswinds can split stages on exposed coastal or rural roads, and the short overall distance means small time gaps stay meaningful. Watch for GC contenders to mark each other closely on the climbs and push hard in the time trial, while stage hunters look for opportunities on the flatter or transitional days.