I’ve heard a lot of arguments lately about why we need more women’s cycling on mainstream TV. I watched The Women’s Tour and loved it, but it wasn’t accessible to everyone…it wasn’t on any of the main four tv channels and it was on later in the evening than I would have liked to have seen.
My daughter is six. Very nearly seven. Up until just over two weeks ago she couldn’t ride her bike. Regular readers will have grasped my frustration at her apparent lack of interest. We’ve tried to encourage her to learn on a number of occasions – shiny new bike was delivered for her birthday last year and she just wasn’t all that interested. Fear seemed to set in and she refused to go anywhere near her bike. In recent months, the mere mention of giving it a go has sent her into a trembling mess, which was really sad to see. I was about to give up trying to encourage her altogether and was ready (reluctantly) to accept that maybe cycling wasn’t ever going to be something she would want to do. But then a wonderful thing happened…
It was like a light bulb moment!
We watched Nottingham’s Milk Race on 25 May. It was only the second year there has been an elite women’s race. It wasn’t televised but we were lucky, we were there, right by the start/finish line. It was like a light bulb moment for my daughter. As she waved her cowbell from the sidelines, you could see the excitement in her face.
‘They’re going really fast aren’t they mummy!’ – my daughter
I think mummy getting to meet Laura Trott and Katie Archibald may have had something to do with it, but ultimately she was completely inspired by what she saw: the pro women cyclists looking cool in their brightly coloured kit, wearing their helmets, lined up on the start line raring to go. She was inspired by the pro women cyclists mingling with the ordinary folk, smiling happily, saying ‘hi’. She was inspired watching them take the sport seriously, warming up pre-race on their rollers. She was inspired by the effort, the determination, the camaraderie that she witnessed, by the roar of the crowds as the women sped past. She was inspired watching the winners receive loud applause and cheers as they approached the podium.
As we climbed into the car to head home I asked her if she’d had a good day.
“It’s been a great day! The best day!
“Tomorrow, mummy, I’m going to learn to ride my bike. Maybe one day I’ll be as good as Laura Trott or Katie Archibald.”
Whoop! – me
And that’s why we need more visibility around women’s cycling, why we need more women’s cycling races and why we need more women’s cycling on TV. Inspiration is a wonderful thing.
In her own words….
I think we could do with more women playing sports in general on tv as well as cycling. It’s great she has an interest in sport as this young age 🙂
mellissa williams recently posted…The Cookshop Cardiff Review
Thanks Melissa, I agree with you. More women in sport on mainstream TV channels would be brilliant at encouraging young girls to participate in sport and in helping them to see that sport is cool. Women’s cycling is slowly getting there but we have some amazing talent in the field and they should receive as much recognition as the men. Having seen my daughter’s reaction at watching the likes of Laura Trott racing, I really do believe more coverage would inspire a whole new generation of British talent.
oh I do wish to be more energetic and ride again, we have lovely scenery to ride around in Durham but I’m just starting the 30 day fitness challenge as I haven’t done any exercise as such for 15 years, wow I know, but it’s a start.
Everything helps Lisa and it’s great you’re starting back with exercise again! Google women’s cycling and watch some to inspire you back into fitness! Good luck with the 30 day challenge!
What a beautiful and smart girl 🙂 We are taking my 5 year old to learn her bike without stabilisers in the summer 🙂
Keri-Anne recently posted…Siblings {June}
Ah, thank you and good luck! I hope she loves it!
There’s definitely a shortage in the positive portrayal of women on tv and the media in general.
Jenny recently posted…Gruffalo Bento Box
Yes more women’s cycling and more equestrianism on TV! x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Baby talks to the animals
I don’t really see why women’s sports in general aren’t as readily accessible as men’s – maybe if they were shown more there would be more interest!
Mummy of Two recently posted…Siblings June 2014
Brilliant, I’m so pleased that she’s been inspired to learn to ride her bike. I wish someone would inspire my two to ride their bikes, I’ve had no success with that at all.
Mums do travel recently posted…Top tips for first-time cruisers
That’s great she’s so inspired. I think there’s a lack of female sports everywhere in the media. It’s really shocking the lack of visibility and I hope it changes soon.
Globalmouse recently posted…Nantes, France: A packed day out, full of surprises
I think we should have more sport in general from women on the TV. My son doesn’t think women’s football is any good because it is never on the TV – I’d love to see more to inspire my girls and boy.
Jane @ northernmum recently posted…The Alfresco Diaries: Ascension Day
In this day an age, women in sport definitely need more representation on TV – it’s sad that they aren’t 🙁
Michelle recently posted…Love Me Beauty + Birchbox Product Review!
My just turned 7yo was exactly the same with her approach to riding her bike. It was so frustrating. Thankfully she has now mastered it and loves riding.
Angela Spicer recently posted…Chicken, Chorizo And ChickPea Stew
I read a really inspiring story about the first women to cycle around the world the other day, thought of you! x
I’ve not seen that yet, Fritha but I’ve heard about it. I will have to read it! 🙂
I agree! I do think that the Olympics had a hugely positive impact for women in sport and we all became more aware of women cyclists after their success. I didn’t know that they did a womens tour de France and this is simply because all of the highlights on tv are about the mens, which really needs to be changed! x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins recently posted…Alphabet Project – E
I agree. My two girls love riding their bikes and would really enjoy watching women’s bike races on tv.
Shell Louise recently posted…Ella’s Beaver Investiture
I would love to see more sports ladies on TV… I suggest cutting on some of the celebrity coverage, which is a total rubbish
agatapokutycka recently posted…Review – gardening must haves – Gro-Sure, Resolva & Aftercut
Yes we need more women’s cycling on tv. Firstly, if nothing else, to simply normalise the idea of women’s cycling being on TV. Once that is achieved the risks to event organisers, promoters, broadcasters and sponsors will reduce and the investment will increase. We are very proud to be ensuring that women’s cycling has equal billing in our televised series. This isn’t the easiest approach but one we have chosen to do as we feel its the best way to show case the cycling talent on display and make the opportunities to participate for women clear.
Hi Carl, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your views. It’s really encouraging to hear about Street Velodrome proactive approach and I hope lots more follow suit.
This is such a good point, we really do need to see more strong women roles on tv and in the media in general rather than being about how they look. I’m pleased to here she’s ready to get on her bike. x
Lori recently posted…THE COMFORT OF HOME // HOUSE TOUR
You’ve hit the nail on the head. Apart from the Olympics, I can’t really tell you any other time when I have seen female cyclists showcased on television whereas you see men like Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins all the time!