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I think it's a good point, obviously there's a need for someone to hand the trophy, prize or jersey to the winner but I think if it were to be a female cyclist she'd be likely scrutinised in the same way as the 'podium girls'... Maybe if we could replace them with female and male cyclists, or young riders from local cycling clubs that'd be a better way... - similar to the young kids - boys and girls - at the beginning of football matches - whatever they're called... ?
Van_Damage-
if it were to be a female cyclist she'd be likely scrutinised in the same way as the 'podium girls'
I think it's a lot less likely, particularly if it's presented well. It would be presenting a local rider to local audiences. There would be there to present the prize because they're riders, not because they're superficially pretty.
But I think you're right, junior riders, boys and girls could be the better option. Not only would you be rewarding them for being in the sport but you would be elevating the status of the sport at their level.
The_Seldom_Killer
As posted on the TdF thread:
I think we have an opportunity here to do a bit better than just ban podium girls. That way you write women out of the script of an event even more. I'm not sure that does women, and women pro cyclists especially, any greater favours than having podium girls.
On the other hand, there's women and girls across the country who are racing, improving and obviously winning. You could get some of them to present awards and trophys at the end of stages and races. Get them to wear club or team colours, announce who they are and some of their palmares. That way they get some exposure as a sports person. The next time the audience is at a race where there's a women's event, they'll know a bit more about the people their watching. You'll hand feed them an attachment to the riders and help address the current lack of interest in women's racing