Video: Every Day Girls, presented by Saint
 | I find it amazing how much downhill racing has progressed and flourished over the past 10 years - especially in the women's field. What used to be a male-driven sport, is now enjoyed by a variety of people across the board. Womens' riding has developed into a hardworking, inspirational group of girls who are constantly progressing at an alarming rate. I have been inspired by this progress. It has pushed me further than I ever thought possible, both through my riding and my art. Every day I am driven to accomplish more with every brush and pedal stroke. - Micayla Gatto |
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Words and art by: Micayla Gatto
ridesaint.com
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No offense intended here Micayla, but you don't think Missy Giove, Anne-Caroline Chausson, Elke Bretseart, Marla Streb, Sabrina Jonnier and I did not train in 2002 as hard as the women that race in the top 10 or top 5 now?
I can tell you even 10 years ago the top 10 women were hard working as every bit as inspirational as you guys, hell they were probably the ones who inspired you to get in the gym and on the bikes in some way, the only things that has truly "developed" over the last 10 years is the style of the courses and the technology behind the bikes and suspension allowing us to go faster than ever.
10 years ago, there were actually more women racing world cups and the sponsors and UCI supported them a lot better (financially) than in recent times. I'm on board to move forward with every athletes personal gains and the natural evolution of the sport but let's not forget or belittle what those before us did.
There are a good handful of riders from the past that were simply amazing athletes both on and off the bike, lets not take that from them.
Fionn Griffiths
World Cup overall results: 2001 #4 / 2002 #5 / 2003 #2 / 2005 #5 / 2006 #5 / 2007 #4.... (You get it) I have 10 overall top five World Cup trophies, keep working hard and I'm sure you guys will both have your collection going soon too.
At the end of the day, if a video like this gets even a couple girls thinking "hey i can do that" then it's 100% positive. I think inspiring more girls to get into racing to even get them off the XC bike and onto a DH or freeride bike is a huge success.
I mean saying that womens racing "has developed" into a hard working group of girls suggests that it wasn't always that way. I can certainly understand Fionn's point here. I'd take some offense to it too if I were in her shoes.
There are a good handful of riders from the past that were simply amazing athletes both on and off the bike, lets not take that from them."
I can respect the history of women in mountainbike racing but i agree i think you misinterpreted her words. If in the last 10 years there has been a decline in sponsors and UCI support, there need to be more videos and more spotlights on these amazing riders!
Like any evolving sport there will be a history of great riders, but i think this video speaks to a NEW generation of women in, and getting into the riding. I don't think anyone should take offence to that.
YES, there ARE more girls on the trails then there were before. Face it. There are also more men. Biking is becoming more popular, and it's awesome that someone is trying to promote women to ride out there too. Who doesn't like running into a female mountain biker? That's not the point, but still hah
I in no ways at all tried to say that women were not inspiring or hardworking more than 10 years ago in the Downhill race scene. Anne-Caroline Chausson, Missy Giove, and yourself are all great inspirations and I meant no disrespect at all. I remember first getting sponsored by Commencal, and I got one of ACC's old bikes and I was ESTATIC.
I was talking more about OVERALL I feel like downhill racing has become more accepted and accessible among the females of the world today. This is just my personal opinion formed by the experiences I've had since starting racing in 2002. There are some serious legends from the past that will always be remembered, but you have to remember the title is lablelled "Everyday Girls". I truly do believe that the number of "everyday girls" riding and racing for fun and getting inspired by eachother has risen.
I consider you a great friend of mine, and I'm sorry if you took what I said wrong. I was simply trying to encourage the girls out there right now to hop on a bike or get in the gym. The "10 year" number was mirroring the fact that Saint has also only been around for 10 years, and since this is done by Saint I wanted to talk about a time that was relevant to Saint's lifespan.
I just want to thank you for your involvement and the underline the importance of the message brought here to us:
For sure there are less women racing nowadays than they used to 10 years ago, and that number may be even further endagered in future years. However, that is a battle to be fought with the UCI.
The goal of this video was to get "EVERYDAY GIRLS" to ride, and not specifically world-cup level athletes. And on that field, I personally have seen a dramatic improvement over the recent years with the creation of women's clubs, more women in general in Quebec, Ontario and New England's trails, as well as more women working in bike shops, or signing up to mechanic courses.
Bringing more women into our sport is one of its noblest goals of its evolution, and I think what you did here fights the battle from inside women rider's brains, telling them shredding is not a "guy" thing and breaking social convention.
With deepest regards,
-A french male feminist DH racer
It's easy to misconstrue something from a piece of marketing material. It's happened before, in many other sports, and will continue, I'm sure.You girls know each other and this won't even be a blip on the radar. Keep Climbing! Ladies, keep an open dialogue and keep biggin each other up, cause it's great to see video's like this.
Peace sistas, keep doin skids
I'm still racing, haven't trained the way i used to for a couple of years but that's changing this winter... gota keep up with the kids after all.
The main thing is that chicks are out there riding.
Peace.. forum followers.
Random thought: I remember training with Cassandra Boon and having spots of trouble keeping on her back wheel.
These forum things really get going hey.
Maybe I'll just keep my thoughts in my head next time.
I'm not offended or upset, actually the complete opposite .. just supporting you guys and adding some knowledge of years past in DH racing.
I agree with you there are way more women riding around the world now than 10 years ago, just a shame they're not all racing. I guess I just picked up on your quote mentioning racing specifically.
"I find it amazing how much downhill racing has progressed and flourished over the past 10 years"
Anyway, talking for the sake of talking now.
Take care buddy, we're good.
Good night everyone.
that they didn't seem so disinterested in guys who ride.
I like to believe.
Otherwise some of the world best girls would have kick some WC podium "boys" ass already long time ago
Maybe try rereading what I've written in a positive way.
Incase your concern is real, my relationship is doing fine thank you.
in which part of the world dresses?
i love you...
Please, stop referring to women as girls, or start calling men, boys.
As Finonn Griffiths stated, there was more support for women, from the UCI, 10 years ago. Why then, are there no protests from the men demanding equal payouts and support? Given the recent decision by the UCI to devalue the efforts of women for team points, there is a need for discussion of this topic. Two wheels: same team.
Arguably, you could even go with 50 men and 10 women if you wanted to stay strictly with a competitive field and less pack filler.