As in (too) many sports, women's cycling is a big hit. Athletes find themselves much less pampered and publicized than their male counterparts, practitioners also complain … And yet, the French Cycling Federation (FFC) has decided to move up a gear by engaging in development and promotion of women's cycling. And it's good ! Focus on the progress made … and to continue!
Cycling, a guy's sport?
The more we talk about it around us, the more the observation emerges as obvious: women are clearly under-represented in cycling. Even if the federation has a woman as its vice-president, in clubs and on the roads, it's a whole different story.
And in particular, those who ride evoke a phenomenon that has been overlooked too much: the lack of female competitors in the field of cycling.
So where's the chicken, where's the egg? The fault of the women who do not dare or the clubs which do not put much in place to accommodate practitioners?
Despite everything, the FFC wants to make a difference by campaigning for parity in order toencourage female practice. In all its disciplines and in all its forms, whether it is practiced in a club for competition or as a simple leisure activity, cycling seeks to be open to women.
Associations likeFrench Association of Cyclists (AFCC) actively participates in promoting the place of women in cycling. In addition to wanting to increase their workforce (10% of licensees and 15 professional runners only!), The AFCC wishes to support women in their cycling career.
Women cyclists, victims of discrimination
As soon as we talk about women's cycling, the belt jams. Because this environment seems good more restrictive for women than for men. As they find themselves in the minority in clubs, they quickly feel excluded from groups. They must adapt to the courses chosen by men, they must fight against certain stereotypes and put a lot of energy into not being discouraged. As a beginner, a female cyclist has to really hold on to stay in the club.
According to Elisabeth Chevanne-Brachet, the co-President of the AFCC and former professional cyclist, women cyclists represent only 10% of competitive cyclists: very few women cyclists make a living from their passion. And in addition, those who succeed are often victims of abuse denounces Elisabeth.
"Cases of harassment, psychological problems, contract problems, payment problems …, Elisabeth Chevanne-Brachet list. They also deplore the lack of confidence and support and that's where the association comes in. " Since its creation in June 2019, the aim of the AFCC has been to create proximity with the runners, and to establish a relationship of trust. The association is based in Paris, but it spreads across France to meet women cyclists.
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How to encourage women to practice cycling?
Still, let's be clear, female cyclists are no less gifted than men. They show undeniable sporting qualities, produce a great show, in addition to the courage they show to engage in an area where they remain a very small minority. A minority which is also due to the fact that women have a great tendency to practice outside the club.
This is why the French Cycling Federation encourages the practice of cycling, whether you are athletic, pro or simple user. For its part, the Association Française des Coureures Cyclistes aims to develop women's cycling, improve the professional status of women, and reduce wage inequalities between men and women.
Develop the media coverage of women's competitions, such as Great International Women's Loop in 2022 or Paris-Roubaix October 25, also represents a challenge for the association.
A cycling event for all
In addition, under the program "Women's cycling"of the FFC, the ambassadors organize events to encourage women to practice. They therefore invite all women to take part in one of the cycling tours on the course of the first women's cycling championship. A true tribute! 124 years after the first Women's Cycling Championship, at Longchamp, a 100% female peloton bringing together everyday cyclists and French champions will set off on the cycling ring in the west of Paris.
This event will take place the day beforearrival of the Tour de France in Paris, September 19, 2020. The FFC, the FDJ and the Vélo Longchamp association, the largest French cycling collective, have therefore joined forces to promote cycling among women. The objective is thus to encourage female practice in all its forms.
More info on this event open to all here.
An initiative supported by the State
This desire to feminize cycling goes hand in hand with government requirements. Increasing the number of female licensees on the national territory is a project of the FFC, but is also registered in the Sports Code.
Article L100-1 of the Sports Code provides that “Physical activities and sports are an important part of education, culture, integration and social life. (…) The equal access of men and women to sporting activities, in all their forms, is in the general interest ”.
In addition to being enshrined in law, the development of women's sports practice is a priority for the Minister Delegate in charge of sports, Roxana maracineanu. Indeed, the minister had launched the campaign Female Sport Always, which promotes women's sport through the media.
What about cycling in the city?
When you are a woman who rides a bicycle in the city, things are not that simple either. Women find themselves held back in their desire to pedal in an urban environment. Getting around by bike in public space has its share of Sexism. Just like pedestrians, women on bicycles are also subject to street harassment.
In terms of the Highway Code, women riding a bicycle say they do not always feel safe. According to an article in Inrocks, they deplore the behavior of certain motorists … who allow themselves misbehavior that they would not do with a male cyclist.
At aufeminin, we have colleagues who say they always wear shorts under their skirt, because the derogatory looks and reflections at the sight of a few square centimeters of skin are legion!
All in the saddle!
However, let's not give up! On the contrary !
With the proliferation of cycle paths, the practice of cycling for both men and women is increasingly facilitated. Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Paris, Nantes, Grenoble, Lyon, Angers… are just some of the cities that have made improvements to facilitate circulation by bicycle; which contributes to a feeling of security, which women seem to demand more than men.
The right idea to get started : acquiring a bicycle, electrically assisted or not, is an approach that the State intends to promote. It even offers help with the purchase of an electrically-assisted bicycle (VAE) in some areas.
Eco-friendly and good for your health, cycling has many benefits, so get on your feet!