You are reading a single comment by @Van_Damage and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
-
I do genuinely think that to replace the podium girls with female cyclists would be problematic because of the context... if there was no history of women being used as decoration in the sport it might not be a problem... so, yeah, agreeing with The_Seldom_Killer
re. whether it'll effect or boost the coverage of female cycling it may just be a super long term thing... The more women who get into the sport, the more equal the gender balance... you never know... but at the moment - if you are a young girl who likes cycling, you watch the tour de france and you see the girls wearing pretty dresses you don't exactly see any female role models who are cyclists... you see female role models who are models.. so it's a long game thing..
Van_Damage
I understand the objections to silly, inappropriate outfits and sexist behaviour. Maja Leye springs to mind. I heard a radio interview with her and Marianne Vos, both saying they saw no harm in the tradition of ceremonies like this though. And most female pro cyclists I have heard speak out about this would rather have nice podium guys handing out the flowers in their awards ceremonies.
I'm unsure about the the fact that flowers and awards are being handed out by women who kiss the winner is a serious/determining factor in spoiling the experience of watching pro cycling races for many people, male or female. Also I find it hard to imagine that the disappearance of these girls from the stage will somehow boost coverage of women's races. Other factors (like not having the Giro Rosa in the same time slot as the Tour de France) will be more important I think.
Of course, there's always room for new traditions. A positive approach may work better than expecting (judging) that 'if it were to be a female cyclist she'd be likely scrutinised in the same way as the 'podium girls'' though.
Good luck with the campaign, seriously interested in the replies you'll get from the teams and organisers.