Top 4 to succeed in the male-dominated cycling scene

Whenever you see a group of cyclists, look closer, the majority will be male. There might a “tough” female cyclist in there. However, cycling, especially competitive cycling is a male-dominated sport.

Here are the top 4 to get out of the token-female role:

1. Don’t be weak. Females tend to automatically subordinate themselves to their male counterpart. Yes, they might have evolutionary physical disadvantages, but that does not mean they are a lesser human being. Be yourself and let your strengths shine. That being said, that does not mean you have to try to fluff yourself up. That usually comes across the wrong way.

2. Don’t sell your body. And I do not mean the extreme of going to bed with everyone. This could be also considered in the professional context. Looking attractive is not a bad thing but let others judge you according to your personality, not your appearance.

3. Empathize. Having cycled with men coming from different stages of their lives – starting a family, getting divorced, entering mid-life crisis, etc) it has become very insightful to see the other side of gender-shared problems. If you show interest in the thought processes of men and do not use this opportunity to force your feminist approach onto them, men will open up and you will learn a lot what they really think.

4. Speak with your actions. Although this should be exercised by the entire human race, when you are the underdog as the female minority, proving yourself by being a great cyclist is the best way to establish yourself in a group. The trash talk can follow, but the hard work has to come first.

Now get out and ride your bike!