Although I appreciate the coverage the Herald provides for women’s cycling, acknowledgement of this sport for women has a long way to go. As I read “Off with the training wheels!” (May 24), I am saddened that this sport has not made progress in the almost 20 years since I was racing. Unlike mountain biking, in which women were influential in the development of the sport from the beginning, road cycling is a men’s sport that women are still trying to break into. Offering short, one-day races at large men’s events is not progress. I have often longingly looked out at the beautiful countryside and mountains that the men get to race through before I start my short circuit race – an event seemingly meant to entertain the crowds until the men’s race rolls into town. Women road cyclists are full-time professional athletes who make many sacrifices to compete against the world’s best. It is time to honor their drug-free achievements with the publicity, prize lists and full events that they deserve.
Stephanie Allred
Durango
