mtbchick

As a (retired) pro cyclist, the biggest challenge I faced to my performance was my menstrual cycle. The hormonal shifts that occur twice per month, fluctuations in performance based hormones and bodily functions truly affect performance and one major difference between male and female racers. I would like to see more scientific research around this because aside from all of the existing science (around muscle and testosterone) in the article, I don't think this should be discounted or not included in the conversations. ROAR by Dr. Stacy Sims and Selene Yeager covers these differences and I think it's a great education for women and men alike. Regardless, I am glad that the UCI are doing due diligence. This is a difficult subject.

Rocio is a female from Spain, not a male.

What he says about mountain biking is so true. It's an incredibly unprofessional industry and racing scene. And that is exactly why it's not at the level of biathlon in the European markets. Thank goodness RedBull took over the World Cup TV production. They're production is on the level of F1 and quite frankly I agree that RedBull saved mountain biking. The mentality that I ran into in the earlier 2000s, that continues today, is "we know what we're doing." Way back in 2004 at the Snowmass NORBA Nationals, there was a forum for all team managers and the top racers. Many of us had radical ideas that would have made mountain bike races accessible and fun for everyone. - grandstands at the start/finish - rock climbing walls - schwag for spectators - more bike events for non-racers and non-pros. The list goes on. None of it was implemented. I'd really love to get opinions from Leigh Donovan on this (or any other riders or managers that remember this!) At any rate, mountain bike racing has changed so much in the US where EpicRides events by Todd Sadow are paying thousands of dollars and doing it right. Non-UCI/Olympic related, just a fun event for all. When was the last time a national level USA Cycling mtb race sold out?

Go Emily! I am SO stoked for you girl! There is plenty of love for you out here in the Universe. Shine on SuperStar! I am so excited for 2021 for you!

@SmashySmashy: They didn't want to hire a woman because the last woman they hired slept with all the bike shop owners, I wasn't clear. As for the drinking, I, of course, do not know if any men who didn't drink were hired and were told the same thing. However, it was an incredibly inappropriate thing to say regardless. This also speak to the culture not just of that company but of the bike industry especially 10-15 years ago when I was more involved. I was definitely harassed by bike shop owners at company events when heavy drinking was involved. Thanks for your comment. I have spent nearly 20 years (more if you count some of the on again off again) in the bike and outdoor industries over my lifetime.

I left as well. I like my paycheck and the upper management position I currently hold.

The worst of it: I worked in the bike industry for many, many years. One manager told me when I was hired, "How are you going to fit in? You don't drink [alcohol]." I was also told, "We hired a woman for this territory before and she slept with all of the bike shop owners... " Just two of the most striking things I was told when interviewing or being hired. I also represented a line of women's bikes that were basically just a man's take on what women want. Nothing based in reality. My hope is that things have changed since then. I have largely been out of the industry for the past 5 years. Mostly because I wanted to make a decent living (the bike industry pay is low) and just buy the things I wanted and pay for my own trips around the world so I could do them on my own terms. I suppose you could also say I had become jaded and exhausted from working in an industry that operated in the past and didn't seem to be moving into the future. I've worked for magazines, bike manufacturers, retailers. I've spun wrenches, created marketing campaigns and hosted events. I have seen almost every side of the business-- good and bad. We're still looking for women's products, the way to market to women. Mistake. So how do we get more women in the bike industry? The answer is women need to be in upper management. And they need to act like women, not like men. You can't change the culture of an industry with the same thinking that created that culture. I have seen so many unqualified people put into positions they don't necessarily deserve and even many, many more highly qualified people placed in entry-level positions well below their pay grade. (This is across the board for men and for women). This is discouraging for high-quality candidates. Taking a job below your ability and for less pay than you are worth destroys your self-worth and ability to shine. Women hurt themselves in the industry. We accept that job. We peddle our sexuality. We insist on wearing mascara during races. If companies would hire qualified, experienced women who know how to run businesses (even if they would hire qualified, experienced men who knew how to run businesses) and pay them what they are worth, more women would work in the industry. It comes down to having an empowering workplace where women are respected as intelligent leaders, not a model for a month on a calendar. I have had a great deal of fun in the bike industry and have made many friends. I love bikes. And I often miss being around bikes all the time. I have had ups and downs. Maybe someday I will be back. If that happens, I can promise you, I will have an army of women with me.

I worked with Chad at Cannondale. This is such terrible news. He was a great guy.

For a rider of her palmares in one of the most difficult and demanding sports on the planet, $90k seems like a pittance to me (here's hoping she makes far more than that!). Emily had a formula that worked and gained her podiums in World Cups, National Championships and top Olympic finishes. The fact that she has to fund her own support makes it feel like she's an amateur racer trying to reach a PR. Being a professional athlete is not so easy as you might think, and costs far more than you can imagine. Thanks, Emily, for sharing and I hope you're able to get things back on track for 2020! ANd I hope you can find the means to excel and thrive and live your best, happy racing life! All the comments made me think of this Native American Proverb: "Great Spirit, help me never to judge another until I have walked in his moccasins, 2 weeks." (or two moons)