Opportunities for Girls!

I sent out a letter to the UCI Cross Commission this week. I got caught up in other things (skiing, home remodeling) and almost forgot. I plan to do more on this issue next season so stay tuned. Here's the letter:

Dear Peter Van den Abeele:

I am writing out of concern regarding the lack of a cyclocross World Championship event for Junior Girls and U23 Women. This seems to go against the stated principles of the UCI of equality between all the members and all the athletes, license‐holders and officials without racial, political, religious, or other discrimination.

Junior girls and U23 women deserve the same opportunities given to the Junior boys and U23 men. The opportunity to participate at the international level is an important development opportunity that will help strengthen the elite women’s race as these girls gain experience and the maturity to move on to that level. As it stands now there is little to motivate our top young female athletes to focus on cyclocross when other cycling disciplines and other sports offer greater opportunity.

In addition, the level of participation of junior girls and young women is growing where opportunities are available. The UCI could and should be a leader in helping to foster this growth and offering a World Championships offers legitimacy to girl’s participation that is currently lacking.

I would ask that consideration be given to changing the policy of not offering World Championships to Junior Girls and U23 Women. This change would strengthen the sport of cyclocross and ensure the continued growth of the sport.

Sincerely,
Renee Callaway
President Capitol Velo Club
Madison, Wisconsin, USA