Help! Discrimination against female cyclists

[cyclestudent]

Hello,

I'm an U19 sprint cyclist from Australia, and am currently in my final year at school. I'm doing an investigation on the discrimination against female cyclists, (especially sprint). Part of my investigation is to compare the discrimination in Australia with that of different countries, so I was wondering if any of you would be able to help me?

Do you have any information about how female cyclists within your country are discriminated against as opposed to males (for example income, media representation, events provided), and how your cycling nations have tried to overcome this issue?

Any information, links or personal oppinions would be GREATLY appreciated!!

My email is annette.edmondson@hotmail.com if you feel that would be easier.

Thank you,

Nettie

[beccaB]

I can't really help much because I'm not familiar with anyone who's at the world class level, but I CAN tell you that bike stores have a lot more merchandise to sell to men than what's available to Women. Especially seats and shoes.

[indigoiis]

I notice that a lot of the ads in cycling publications that have to do with women are selling "pretty" stuff. It's nice that there are women-specific designs, but I don't need a "pretty" pink floral floor pump.

[Trek420]

Welcome to TE!

We range here from newbies, commuters to pro and semi pro riders so I'm sure someone on that level will chime in shortly. I certainly don't see women's pro cycling on Versus On the Amgen Tour de CA the worlds best of women's pro cycling are treated like an opening act, just a pre-ride show.

No bus, no hotel, no masseuse, no stationary trainer to warm up, no pre or post ride feast .... I went to see them ride and most are changing back into street clothes in their car.

The money's not there from sponsors, nor the support except for a few loyal fans.

[Irulan]

The money's not there from sponsors, nor the support except for a few loyal fans.

One could argue that it's economics, not discrimination. It's a chicken and egg scenario if you ask me.

[SadieKate]

One could argue that it's economics, not discrimination. It's a chicken and egg scenario if you ask me.

Now if the women would just race in the same outfits as women's beach volleyball . . .

[witeowl]

One could argue that it's economics, not discrimination. It's a chicken and egg scenario if you ask me.

Good point. I see the same in all sports, from basketball on down. Track and gymnastics might be the exceptions (and, of course, synchronized swimming).

If people don't watch, then the sponsors don't get their audience, so there's no money in it. So, really, if we're going to blame anyone for the discrimination, we have to blame the general viewership.

At least, that's how I see it, however unfair (and based in ignorance) it may be.