Why would a man assume he was automatically a better cyclist?

[nolemom]

I recently competed in the local sprint triathlon. I rode the bike portion on a woman's relay team. Several men that rode the cycling portion for their groups were shocked and even a little upset that I posted a better time. I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt since I was never very athletic and weighed about 15 pounds more when we worked together. However, now they are telling me and a lot of other people that they are gunning for me for next year. Why do some men seem to assume that they should be better than a woman (granted even a 46 year old) when they don't spend the time or effort to train as hard? I know this isn't true of all men because so of my biggest supporters have been the members of the bike club who pushed me to try for longer and faster rides. I just find it perplexing.

[snapdragen]

Ego.

[limewave]

Men.

You'll just have to hand it to 'em again next year

[Miranda]

Well, my lippy reply would be if they didn't even train and are now "gunning for you" (who worked hard to train etc.) next year... "...glad to be of help, boys, in giving you the motivaiton to get off your a$$ and do something about it". Gheez... egos. Not just guys, I know some women this way too.

While yes, there are some physical athletic advantages men have over women as fact... but if you trained hard, then you deserved your results. That inner drive isn't something that's train-able (which they seem to be a bit lacking of)... it comes from the heart. Good for you.

[ttimes3]

Funny, my DH and I were having the same convo recently. I've been asking him to ride and he's refused but now that I've gotten a (male) cycling buddy my DH is suddenly "into" biking. He thinks because he's a guy he can immediately start riding 30+ mile rides without having been on the bike in decades...lol

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

...my DH is suddenly "into" biking. He thinks because he's a guy he can immediately start riding 30+ mile rides without having been on the bike in decades...lol

His *ss might have a thing or two to say about that.

[GLC1968]

Because he's a man. They do that, you know.

[colby]

... because he's a man, duh!

Recently in an Olympic distance triathlon, I passed this (very fit) 50 or 60 something guy that came in while I was exiting transition. Apparently he was chasing me that entire time. Glad to know I was his motivation.

They have an uphill battle to catch you next year anyway. You keep training, they of course minimize the amount of training they have to do because a) you're a girl, and b) they are estimating based on this year's time, and you still kick butt. Win-win for you!

[tctrek]

Men, can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em.

Of course, they aren't all like that. Only those too insecure in their own masculinity to admit that a female athlete is a force to reckon with.

[spazzdog]

Not to throw a wrench into things but it may be (emphasis on MAY) that they were talking it up in admiration... like a back-handed compliment.

?? spazz ??

[shootingstar]

Not to throw a wrench into things but it may be (emphasis on MAY) that they were talking it up in admiration... like a back-handed compliment.

?? spazz ??

+1.

Ever since I knew my dearie..uh..17 yrs. ago, he wasn't and still isn't like that. It's the opposite: he tells me with admiration, who rode past him..male or female. He seems to take particular interest, in describing the nerdy looking cyclists who outpower him.

Doesn't mean he isn't competitive, but genuinely is not insulted if others obviously are cycling faster in a consistent manner, than he is.

[ny biker]

Could be trash talk. Trash back at 'em, I say.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Several men that rode the cycling portion for their groups were shocked and even a little upset that I posted a better time. I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt since I was never very athletic and weighed about 15 pounds more when we worked together. However, now they are telling me and a lot of other people that they are gunning for me for next year. Why do some men seem to assume that they should be better than a woman (granted even a 46 year old) when they don't spend the time or effort to train as hard?

I don't know, it seems to me that just because they said they'd be 'gunning for you' next year- to me that doesn't mean they think that as men they should be better/faster than you....it just means they'll be trying to beat you next year as their goal. Isn't that everyone's goal in a race- to be faster than the others?
I don't see any big ego issues here unless there is more to the story that I don't know. Sounds like the usual "I'm going to beat your time next year" kidding/racing goal challenges that both men and women do all the time.

[Selkie]

That's good going!

Just ignore the comments and enjoy your success.

I have to say that I'm surprised by Mr. Silver's response....maybe he's on to something there.

[nolemom]

After reading the responses, I am going to assume it is good-natured banter. If all goes as planned, we will be traveling in Europe next year so I will miss a rematch anyway.