Elite women will now receive equal prize money to the men in the National MTB Series, organisers announced today.
The decision follows after former series winner Ariane Lüthi (Team Spur) refused, on principle, to participate in Saturday’s event in Grabouw due to the inequality in prize money. She took to Facebook to state her stance.
“The prize money should be equal, and our hope is that this will further encourage more women to enter and compete,” said Marie Creighton from title sponsors Ashburton Investments.
She thanked Lüthi for having brought the matter to their attention.
“I am glad that we can offer an equal prize purse to the ladies without lowering the men’s prize money and I do believe that the result is a win for all,” said Fritz Pienaar of series organisers Advendurance.
Lüthi said it was fantastic news.
“The way Ashburton Investments as well as Fritz Pienaar responded to my request is admirable. The fact that Advendurance, with the help of Ashburton Investments, are willing to change the prize money structure and make it equal for women and men is something I don’t take for granted.”
