Cycling: Joanna Rowsell wants equality in road racing

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Olympic track champion Joanna Rowsell says women’s road racing will only have equality with the men’s side of the sport if events are run together.

Rowsell, who won team pursuit gold at London 2012, is part of the Wiggle-Honda road cycling squad with British team-mates Laura Trott and Dani King, and this Saturday (8 June), they are competing in the IG London Nocturne; one of the few events with both men’s and women’s races.

“It’s the best way for women’s racing to progress,” she said.

“The races that I’ve done this year with the biggest crowds have been the ones that have been run alongside men’s versions.

“It’s fantastic for us because people are not just sitting there waiting for the men’s races, they’re actually getting behind us and cheering our names. The more races that can be run like that the better.

“In track cycling we get equal coverage to the men, but the road has always been a massive imbalance.

“We need to showcase women’s racing more and show how exciting it is because it’s shorter than men’s racing and faster. I think people can enjoy it when they get the opportunity.”

And her views are backed by team-mate Trott, who in addition to her Olympic title in the team pursuit also claimed individual omnium gold in 2012.

Trott said, “In terms of track and sponsors it’s almost that women are actually higher than the men, but on the road we’re still catching up.”

Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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