Knotted, thank you for responding to my question. I really appreciate it. And I am hoping you know me well enough by now to know I am not trying to be confrontational but rather set up some debate about women's attitude and apptitude in road cycling events.

So, that said... with all due respect... have a look at mens cycling at this level... have a look at the line-up in the Olympic road race for example... how many 49year old men raced?

None? I'm not surprised at all.

Longo was a phenomenal rider at her peak - she is no longer at her peak.

Nerves, brains and guts canNOT counter the laws of aging - muscle, recovery, endurance.

I do not want to disrepect Longo at all (or approaching 50 year old riders like you and I)... the point of my post is, I guess, to challenge those younger women. Mid-late 20s should be approaching their peak. Where is their courage? Their determination? Why can't they apply THEMselves the way Longo did at their age?

In fact, how disrectful of them to have women like Longo to aspire towards and to let HER down by not doing what their bodies are capable of.... by not following the path that she carved out for them with her blood, sweat and tears...