Riders in this year’s Women’s Tour Down Under have received a pay boost with a decision by the South Australian government to award the same prize money  offered in the men’s race.

The move will bring the total prize pool for the 2018 event to more than $100,000, well above the $15,000 originally listed.

The government has described the decision as a breakthrough for women’s sport.

It has also pledged to pay equal prize money in all future races.

“These athletes are at the top of their game, displaying professionalism, determination and skill during every stage of the hard-fought race,” SA Sports Minister Leon Bignell said.

“It’s only fair the prize money they receive is on par with their male counterparts for each stage as well as the general classification.”

Before the SA move, women cyclists were only guaranteed equal prizemoney in world championship and world cup events.