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@stelle
But the thing is, you can't expect there to be more high end female only events when there's nothing backing it up at grass roots level. Olympic athletes come from somewhere, they start alongside the rest of us - and I can tell you, the discrepency in numbers is visible from entry level right up to the Olympics. Women's races are being dropped or cut from the racing calendar all the time - and that's because of lack of participation. The events are there but the women aren't.
Hog Hill race circuits: separate women's race Thursday evenings, probably not happening next season due to low attendence (ie 3 or less)
Crystal Palace: separate women's race Tues eve. Regularly 60-70 guys there - usually less than 8 women.
Herne Hill velodrome: Saturday training - a handful of women. Sunday training: one or two women. Wednesday league night: one regular female (and that's me). National Women's Omnium: 20 riders. Women's specific race: 4 riders.
National Derny Championships: 30 male riders. 6 female.
Women's Team Series: national events that still only manage to attact circa 30 riders. Compare this with the Nocturne series attracting 50+ male riders each time.
With all the willing in the world you can't put on a race if there aren't riders to race it. The events are there to be had but people are not taking part. There would be more events and more equality if there were the people there to use it but there aren't! It starts at this level and if all you women out there believe in it enough you have to come and put your money where your mouth is and ride these races. When there are more women out there, then we can start talking.