Jayco Herald Sun Tour returns and finds new home in Ballarat.

The Jayco Herald Sun Tour, one of the most iconic professional stage races in the Southern Hemisphere, will be revitalised and staged for the first time in six years in regional Victoria from next year.

In a major switch-up, the professional cycling event, first held in 1952 as a six-day event that toured regional Victorian towns, will use one major regional centre as an event hub, drawing significant tourism to the Ballarat region across four days in February next year.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the Allan Government would inject significant funds to bring back the beloved race in 2026 and 2027. “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.”

Minister Dimopoulos said the staging of the event would take place just a few days after the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, creating a two-week festival of cycling in regional Victoria from Geelong to Ballarat.

The return of the event in a new format is backed by the Victorian Government, Visit Victoria, the City of Ballarat, long-time naming rights partner, Jayco, and the Herald Sun.

"We are extremely proud to host the return of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour,” said City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves. “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 Jayco Herald Sun Tour cements our position as a sports events destination and the home of cycling in Australia.”

News Corp Australia’s Managing Director - VIC TAS, Agostino Giramondo, said the 67th staging of the historic event reflected the Herald Sun’s

commitment to regional Victoria. “It’s more than a bike race. It’s a symbol of the deep connection the Herald Sun has with regional Victoria as their most-read news publication, across all platforms.”

“We know that sport is one of the threads that hold communities together,” he continued. “By basing this iconic event in Ballarat, it allows us to create an event that celebrates the culinary culture, arts and history of the city and its surrounds as well as bringing a world-class event to the region.”

Sam Weir, Herald Sun Editor, and Penny Fowler, Herald & Weekly Times Chairman, also shared their excitement, citing the 2026 relaunch as a monumental moment for Australian sport & regional Victoria.

However, this isn’t the only reason 2026 is a landmark year for the tour. Unlike previous iterations of the tour, the 2026 event will see the male and female winners awarded equal-value prize money.

Women’s Race Director Grace Brown, an Olympic medallist, said they’re honoured to direct the Women's Herald Sun Tour's 2026 return. Equality in racing and supporting emerging Australian talent are key priorities for me."

Men’s Race Director Scott McGrory, also an Olympic medallist, said they’re

“excited to see this great Australian race back on the international calendar.

As Race Director again, I look forward to pitting our home talent against the world's best. The Herald Sun Tour is crucial for showcasing our next generation, now in the Ballarat region."