argia.eus
INPRIMATU
The Unorganized Cycling Tour
Ainhoa Azurmendi Echegaray @AinhoaAtxur 2019ko irailaren 11

I have just read the criticisms on the network, although in the Vuelta al País Vasco it was decided that the hostesses did not exist, in eleven editions of the CAV there are still contracts for women to play that role. I also remember that when that decision was taken in cycling, someone put on the table the risk that women would lose their jobs. I am astonished that explanations should be given on this issue, because the problem is not that all those functions they perform disappear, but the conditions in which they work. That is, to have an exact size of chest and long hair, or to have to wear skirt and heels instead of comfortable clothing and shoes. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the server role of men who must perform in cycling, ball or motorcycling. In short, to guarantee the aesthetics of an attractive woman built in a male society, with a passive attitude that gives her a nice appearance. In such cases, it is a question of tackling the issue from different perspectives: on the one hand, taking into account who is the decision-making body of the contracting entity and on what values it is based. And, on the other hand, how some of those hostesses who are unaware of feminism defend their freedom and the dignity of their work; although, in addition, they have had to suffer sexual harassment – a reminder that Peter Sagan touched the ass of the hostesses in 2013 or Rigoberto Urán demanded a kiss in the mass hostess in 2018. Other situations of discrimination that have occurred in cycling through the sexualization of the female body come to mind, such as the fact that in 2014 the Colombian women’s team was dressed in a meat-colored jersey, or that this year three ICU women cyclists, Health Mate Ladies Team, accused the team’s director of sexual harassment. Of course, the limitations found in the structure of the sport area, such as the low number of licenses, the conditions in which women play in the career, maternity, prizes, etc. All this indicates that cycling has traditionally been a field of men and that the theme of hostesses is nothing more than the edge of the pyramid. It should therefore be radically restructured by promoting participation and dignifying the activity of women in all levels and by genuinely promoting equality between women and men. And the mission of public institutions would be to accompany this tour and ensure that the criteria of equality are met throughout the activity.