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Chances are, unless you have been
living under a rock, you've most likely heard about the new
debate dividing cycling fans worldwide. It's the question of
podium girls – the iconic, beautiful ladies responsible for
presenting race winners with their jersey, flowers, and of
course, a kiss on the cheek.
Personally, the presence of podium girls at world class,
international level racing is something that has never failed
to baffle me. It's a tradition well past its time – a role
that has somehow managed to slip through all pushes for gender
equality and maintain its position in international racing.
Don't get me wrong – I understand that in no way do the podium
girls feel disrespected or objectified by their roles. It's an
honour to present awards to world class champions of the
sport, and the women who do so are trained professionals
responsible for the presentations running smoothly. But while
the supporters of 'podium girls' seem to argue that they
aren't sexualised or objectified, I must beg to differ. I've
never seen a podium girl anything short from beautiful, nor
dressed in much at all. I think that the absolute absurdity of
the role, otherwise overlooked due to its social normality,
has been brought to attention recently because of just how
out-of-place it appears when podium girls are used for women's
racing. It's awkward, ridiculous and certainly makes it
apparent that for the men's racing, the girls are part of the
prize.
From the perspective of a young female athlete, I believe that
the problem with podium girls is the way the role represents
the place of women in the sport. There's no denying that
cycling is traditionally incredibly male dominated, even more
so than other sports. From the grass roots through to the
national and even elite level, participation amongst females –
whether they are athletes, coaches, mechanics or commentators–
is disproportionately low. In fact, watch the broadcast of any
world tour stage and you'd be challenged to find a single
woman in a race-related role. What message does this send to
young girls? The idea that the only way they will become a
valuable contribution to the sport is by looking pretty?
For this reason, it was with absolute delight that I accepted
the news that the Santos Tour Down Under would be phasing out
podium girls – a World Tour first, and a move that would
certainly spark controversy across the world. It would have
been far easier for the race organisers to stick to tradition
and to avoid the inevitable conflict and disagreements, which
would come with doing so. For this reason, I am incredibly
grateful for those who stood up and made the change.
Even better, the organisers decided that they would be
replacing podium girls with junior riders. This meant an
exciting and unique opportunity for some of us not only to
meet some of our biggest cycling idols, but also to catch a
glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes of the UCI level
events that we all aspire to ride in one day.
I learnt quickly that there is far more than what meets the
eye behind-the-scenes of the TDU. Watching on TV or even in
the crowd, presentations are so perfectly timed and flawlessly
executed that it almost seems effortless. This couldn't be
further from the truth: at this level, cycling isn't just a
sport, it's a show; and just like any good play or
performance, every second needs to be rehearsed to perfection.
Every tiny little detail onstage had to be considered – which
way will we walk on and off? How many steps do we take before
turning? Do we tilt our hands to the left, or to the right
while clapping? It seemed tedious at first, but by the end I
had come to the realisation that getting these tiny details
perfect was the key to a smooth, professional presentation.
Seeing all the work that goes on backstage made me reflect on
just how lucky our athletes are to have such a huge team
behind them.
I know for myself and the other girls working as presenters,
meeting the athletes was a highlight. These are the girls I
aspire to be like one day: strong, fast, dedicated and
perfectly composed both on and off the bike. Yet handing them
their flowers and jerseys, I realised that these girls weren't
superhuman – they were simply hard working, passionate, and
resilient girls who most likely started all the way down at
the junior ranks where I am now. They were proof that hard
work and passion could get you to the top step of that
podium…. I came away from the week inspired to say the least!
Personally, one of the most enjoyable moments in the week was
witnessing the excitement of riders as they stepped out onto
the stage in front of an enormous crowd on team presentation
night. It was absolutely exhilarating to see so many fans turn
up to support the girls, and I think the smiles on the riders'
faces was telling of their gratitude for it. Throughout the
week, big crowd turn outs happened on numerous occasions –
even at the final stage, where not even 43-degree heat could
deter a packed-out grandstand of dedicated fans anticipating a
fast evening of racing. Nights like these I was proud to call
myself South Australian, as I watched kids and adults alike
cheering the girls on and giving them the credit they
deserved.
I hope that over time, more World Tour races will follow the
lead of the Santos Tour Down Under in switching podium girls
for junior riders. Not only does it help develop the way in
which women are viewed in the sport, but also is an invaluable
experience for us younger riders to see just how such a big
event is run and meet our cycling idols. Myself and the other
juniors came away from the week inspired by the athletes we
were fortunate enough to meet. I think it's about time we stop
paying girls to be pretty prizes for the men, and start paying
them to ride bikes – and I'm proud to say that it is South
Australia leading the way in this movement.
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