The Intermontane Challenge announced equal prize money payout for both sexes for the 2009 race edition from July 27-31. The 450km event will feature a CAN$60,000 purse, with $10,000 going to the top man and woman. Cash will also go to the top five solo racers, the top three team categories plus "random acts of recognition for great riders who may get overlooked at the finish line," according to race organizers.
Race organizer Chuck Brennan said it's time women get their fair share. "All of us involved in planning this race know that women have consistently been overlooked when it comes to prize money," he said. "We hope offering equal payouts for both sexes will serve as motivation for other race organizers to follow our lead and we're proud to be paving the way."
