Sprint star Cavendish calls for greater support for women's cycling

Cycling star Mark Cavendish has called for greater support of Women’s Cycling during a surprise appearance at the penultimate stage of the Women’s Tour.

7th The Women's Tour 2021 - Stage 5

Elise Chabbey (c) is congratulated by Mark Cavendish after winning the Queen of the Mountains jersey on Stage five of the Women's Tour Source: Velo

Watch extended highlights from all six stages of the Women's Tour available each morning via SBS On Demand from October 5-10.

The record-breaking sprinter was in attendance to cheer on his female colleagues during the fifth stage of the Women’s Tour as Lorena Wiebes (Team DSM) claimed a second consecutive stage win.

Cavendish said he was excited to be able to see the top stars of the women’s WorldTour so close to his home and enjoyed the thrilling racing on show.

The winner of 34 Tour de France stages had plenty of positive things to say about stage five winner Wiebes' sprint successes.
“Yeah, she (Wiebes) was great. She rode well today and it was really good to see.

“As a sprinter, you like to win in a variety of situations and back to back is always nice as well,” Cavendish said.

Cavendish said events like the Women’s Tour were important in providing great exposure to women’s cycling and the incredible athletes in the sport.

The man known as the Manx Missile admitted it was disappointing at the imbalance between men’s and women’s cycling and stressed it was imperative for future generations that the sport bridges that gap.

“I never want my daughter to not be able to do something just because she was born a girl,” Cavendish said.

“Whether she wants to ride a bike, work in a hospital or whatever, she and all other girls deserve to have that choice.“
He said the current crop of riders on the Women’s World Tour play a vital role in driving change and bringing parity to the sport, but felt it still could be some time until it was a truly even playing field.

“Unfortunately for the girls riding today, most of them won't ever see the results of what they’re fighting for.

“Hopefully they can take the honour that hopefully my daughter and her generation will be able to benefit from that.

“It is about educating and changing ideas and views through education.”


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2 min read
Published 10 October 2021 4:45pm
Source: SBS Cycling Central


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