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

[OakLeaf]

Now, I have to bring up another side... how many of us in a race will not chase a man if he passes us but will get spurred on if we get passed by a woman.

I think I'm the opposite! In mass start foot races anyhow - haven't done a TT or any type of bike race in over 25 years. If a woman passes me, I just figure she's fitter than I am, and probably sort of mentally give up. If a man passes me, well, why was he behind me to begin with? If I'm paying attention to my legs and HRM and I know I didn't go out too fast (and if he's not running way faster than I am), then I ought to have enough to stay ahead of him!

[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.

[sgtiger]

I suspect that their smack talk was less machismo and more a form of flattery intentionally directed at you. I think you should see it as a compliment and wallow in it.

Congrats! Well Done!

+1

I see men do this all the time to each other. If a man feels comfortable enough to be that way with a women, it means she has earned his respect.

[SheFly]

I have often, this season, raced in the Master's Men's category (45+ and 55+), usually as the only woman in the field. I hate to break it to you, but they don't like to be "girled" . But, as much as they don't like that, they are also VERY supportive of me in those races, and often will say something complimentary afterwards - even if they were someone I beat .

I say, take it with a grain of salt - I agree with Mr. Silver.

SheFly