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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.
as a female cyclist i can wholeheartedly say that watching a (lovely, i'm sure but) not-even-tangentially-related-to-cycling (by appearances) woman kiss a man and hand over flowers for a totally arbitrary reason is depressing. it lowers people's expectations for women, however subliminally. if you think "no it doesn't", explain why you don't have some buff male models giving winning female cyclists flowers and kisses? it is all linked - if women were accorded the same rights and expectations as men (appreciating and accommodating, of course, the inherent differences as well) starting with things on the podium, i really believe things would change - less sexualised verbal abuse towards female cyclists on the road (my favourite bugbear), more women's races, more women racing, more coverage of these races. consider it a cyclist's theory of intersectionality.
personally, if i won a race i'd rather my flowers were presented by the race organiser, or a sponsor representative because sponsors are a huge part of pro racing, or the delightful idea of a local school or cycling proficiency/club. i want equality for men and women and everyone in between and i don't see why that's so much to ask, but it will need a lot of momentum. i'm really glad it's being talked about.
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ioreka
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.