The Growth & Development of Women’s Cycling
Let’s cut to the chase and accept that cycling has been unbalanced for far too long; and yes, that’s a polite way of saying that cycling has been sexist in too many areas, and that women in cycling deserve more acceptance for who they are – women. All of us have been into cycling shops around the world, and too frequently seen a limited selection of women’s cycling clothing, or indeed, far too few ladies cycles to choose from, compared to the number of men’s bikes on display. It’s only in recent years that women’s bikes had their own place within many many world-leading brands.
We want to continue our drive to truly recognise the position that women ought to be given within cycling and cycle sport generally – equal status in all areas, and an acceptance of the differences. For example, we are built differently… in case you hadn’t noticed;) ! Shrinking a men’s cycling jersey just won’t do, I’m afraid. We need to be properly fitted to form, and with our own feminine style too. Women’s cycling clubs are one of the fastest developing areas within the cycle industry. Failing to recognise the growth and potential of women’s cycling development is a failure to place your own cycling brand in the best position to maximise growth in the changing global cycling community. Yes, women are finally a central part of the global cycling scene, and women’s cycling blogs are taking hold, as online portals for the very best information for women in cycling.
As a website that has consistently championed and promoted women’s cycling blogs, and led the way in bringing women’s cycle clothing to the fore, the team here at Pedalnorth wanted to create a specific arena within our website, where we could showcase some of the best women’s cycling blogs in the world, and bring you some of the best women’s cycling lifestyle tips and blogs too.
Nadezhda
Diane
Kristi Kuldkepp
Teo Sabine
Fatima Berton
Leading the way to a feminine future
Women’s cycling requires a different approach in so many ways. It’s not simply that our women’s cycling jerseys and bib shorts need to be designed and cut differently; or that our cycling shoes need to be designed for women’s feet, taking account for our different build and physiology. It’s not simply that we want and yes need bikes that are designed and built for us. What is is, is the simple fact that women have fought hard for recognition within society; at work, at leisure, within families, and within sport generally. Women in cycling simply want a feminine future that is on a a par with the attention given to men’s cycling.
Looking across the women’s cycling world, there are some amazing people currently – and not just within the women’s cycling peloton. Riders such as Maeve Plouffe – who we’ve interviewed several times – or Marianne Vos, who has changed history for women’s cycling. Coaches such as Cherie Pridham, the first ever female coach within the men’s world tour, are smashing away at the glass ceiling. And, here at Pedalnorth, we have Nadezhda Pavlova – probably one of the best women’s cycling bloggers and writers in the world – leading the way in creating women’s cycling blogs and content for several years.
