After the COVID-19 outbreak, international racing has returned to Australia, with the Santos Tour Down Under set to take place in January 2023. However, organizers of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour confirmed Monday that their race will not take place in 2023, as other factors are preventing the return of the country's oldest stage race.

The men's race was first held in 1952, with a women's version added in 2018. The stage race offered local riders and teams the opportunity to race with World Tour professionals who were visiting Australia for the Santos Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

This year, the borders will be reopened and other races will return, while the men's and women's Herald Sun Tours, last won by Jai Hindley and Lucy Kennedy in 2020, will be extended for another year.

Organizers said in a statement that ongoing logistical, planning, timing, and labor challenges led to this decision.

"As the administrator of this historic race, we regret that the race will not be held in 2023," said Tom Salom, president of the Jayco Herald Suntour.

The Jayco Herald Sun Tour typically stages in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, and travels across the state. We appreciate the tremendous efforts of government and industry officials and are acutely aware of its importance as a statewide event."

." Our focus is on the future and plans are underway to host Australia's oldest stage race in 2024, which boasts the names of Olympians and Grand Tour winners." The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is usually held in early February and concludes Australia's summer racing season.

The 2023 Australian race calendar begins with the Bay Critz in Geelong from January 1-3, followed by the Australian National Road Championships from January 7-10, and the men's and women's Tour Down Under from January 14-22 will be held in South Australia.