Ride Like a Girl: Marianne Vos

"V"os plays in the sand. Photo: Danny Zelck

While it took seven Belgians to dominate the Men’s Cyclocross World Championship race on Sunday, it only took a single Dutchwoman to dominate the women’s race. That’s seven times more dominanter, if my math is correct – which it always is.

Cyclocross fascinates me, mostly because it is completely insane. But I admit: I like the idea of combining Cycling and miniature golf. Put some canti’s on your road bike, take to the mud and woods, add some water hazards, sand traps, man-made climbs and jumps, and now you’ve got a sport for people who hate the way their faces look.

Marianne Vos took her fifth World ‘Cross Championship (a record) to further crowd here palmares with rainbow bands. She’s been World Champion in every discipline involving drop bars, many of them multiple times. She’s also won La Fleche Wallone more times than I can count (I can only count to three), National road and time trial championships, and the Giro d’Italia Femminile. She was even World Champion in Mountain Biking as a Junior. One could easily argue that “V”os is the best active cyclist in the world, bar none.

To that point, we don’t pay close enough attention to Women’s cycling. I’m as guilty as anyone; if I was going to pick the winner of a Women’s race, I’d likely pick Vos or Cooke (if she’s not broken, which she often is) or Teutenberg if the race is likely to end in a sprint, which I wouldn’t be able to tell you without first doing some research. And that pretty much exhausts my knowledge in terms of naming riders, which is disgraceful. After all, if one is to understand the great mystery, one should study all its aspects. (Yes, I just quoted Darth Sidious.)

With the ‘Cross season coming to a close, we’re ramping up to start the 2012 Velominati Super Prestige and with it, we are dragging ourselves into paying attention to Women’s Cycling: the 2012 competition will include women’s races with the points amassed counting towards the overall title.

We are also making some coding changes to the backend system in order to fix some problems which means we’re probably only introducing new problems without necessarily fixing the things that needed fixing in the first place.

We’re also adding more races like the Strada Bianca, changing the scoring model, and eliminating certain things such as free DNF swaps. Stand by for further updates and keep a weather eye on the VSP Page for the updated schedule and rules.

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144 Replies to “Ride Like a Girl: Marianne Vos”

  1. @Bianchi Denti, @Mikael Liddy, @Anjin-san
    Excellent points about women competing with men. (What’s the PGA Tour?)

    Especially this:

    What effect would it have on the results of those women’s races, are they suddenly cheapened because of a weakened field? Wouldn’t you be a little pissed having won the Giro Donne for example, and having people question the achievement because the “top” few women were competing elsewhere?

    You have that enough already as it is – oh so and so was injured and didn’t race or was suspended for doping and didn’t race – blah blah blah. Best not to open that can of worms.

    The goal is to have the sport stand on its own for its own (considerable) worth, and that starts with awareness, and that’s what we’re hoping to help out with.

  2. @Calmante

    @frank

    I’d have paid good money to see a head-to-head race between Pantani and Vos up l’Alpe d’Huez.

    Dude. Come on. The owner of the three fastest times up AdH? Someone has to have examples for women’s ascent times. I’m sure they are impressive, but… There. Is. No. Fucking. Way.

    You say that, but here’s the thing: at one point in my life I was a pretty decent cyclist. Climber mostly, but also could TT. Liked long hilly races too. And had decent results, including beating a #135lb guy who went on to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour du Pont, on a uphill TT. So one day I’m “hammering” up a hill, totally in the hurt locker and this girl pulls up next to me and smiles. “Hi, how ya doing?” she asks. Then takes off up the hill like she’s on a beach cruiser on the promenade, and I’m walking.
    I think that there are more women cyclists that could be competitive with men than we’d like to think. Just ask local Sue Butler (I’ll let you look her up). or Ms. Vos.

  3. @frank

    @Bianchi Denti, @Mikael Liddy, @Anjin-san Excellent points about women competing with men. (What’s the PGA Tour?)

    It’s the “old cycling”…

  4. (Tried to post this twice but must have been caught by the spam filter).

    A LBS hosted a showing of the CX Worlds at 9am Sunday. It enhanced the excitement to watch it with 30 other enthusiasts! Then we went on an urban ride to a city park and through a sandy beach.

    I’m already saving up for some upgrades to my cross bike. Only 7 months left in the offseason. Start training now!

  5. Also, there are some things you can’t find on the Internet.

    I found out about a local rave-style cross series that has two more races in February and March. There’s sure to be rain and mud. If Frank builds his bike soon enough maybe he can join in the fun.

  6. @frank

    The goal is to have the sport stand on its own for its own (considerable) worth, and that starts with awareness, and that’s what we’re hoping to help out with.

    Exactly right. But doesn’t it all hinge on TV rights? Isn’t that where the big money comes from? Directly through network rights or indirectly through sponsors getting brand exposure. And TV dollars rely on ratings.

    Ask the regular woman if she supports better pay for woman cyclists and then ask how much cycling she watches on TV. I just don’t reckon theres enough women watching enough TV sport. Women’s sport simply doesn’t rate as well. Alot of men watch alot of sport but they watch mostly men’s sport.

    And don’t even mention the LFL…

  7. What Scaler said. Internet talk and hypothesis is one thing. I’ve had my arse handed to me by just about everyone, at some point in time, at everything including getting whipped by girls on bikes.
    A bit of perspective helps from time to time chaps. We’re talking about professional athletes, who have made it through talent camps, sports academies and years of racing. Whether they can beat boys who’ve done the same is missing the point. If you look at what women CAN do you get a lot richer picture of whats going on.

  8. People are all over Vos and her amazing climbing, but she is mostly a really good sprinter that rides uphill like a beast. Vos vs Pantani is no contest, but what about Vos vs Cav? Especially 1 on 1 that could be very interesting.

  9. If women’s racing was better supported, there would be more and better racing, creating a more professional and marketable scene in general. If the UCI are happy to sink millions into races in China to grow men’s cycling, why can’t they sink some into growing women’s racing? Their rationale for putting money into China (haven’t the Chinese got enough themselves?) is to give racing there a leg up – don’t women (over 50% of the retail cycling market right now!) deserve some assistance? I believe women’s racing on it’s day can be as exciting as men’s racing, and often more unpredictable. I’ve watched as many dull men’s races as I have dull women’s ones, so for me it’s just when the speeds are compared that the comparison suffers. Good racing is good racing, men or women.

  10. Sorry about the blank post.

    Vos vs. Cav. I think I need to stop reading this particular thread because I have nothing more to contribute.

  11. @Ron

    @JC Belgium

    have you seen this:http://www.sporza.be/permalink/1.1207956I mean, come on! you didn t expect to win like this?

    Woah! The awesome thing to me, despite the pink underbritches, is that cross in on t.v. and being discussed. That’s boss for me, again, in spite of pink britches…

    they started at 10am, discussing about the candidates, the track, weather conditions, choice of tubes, showing reports and interviews… at 11am, live broadcast of the women’s race. after the race, interviews with several participants, coaches, family members… (then a short break, reports about a certain game with a round ball players keep chasing on a grass field or something.) at 1pm, it started all over again, but this time about men’s WC. the sports show ended at 5.30pm… in the news, again 20 minutes cyclocross.
    sporza (Belgian state television of Sports) is said to have excellent broadcasting of cycling and cyclocross. they have full time ‘cycling’ reporters, editors and film crews, and they ask former cyclists to comment and analyse races

  12. Frank – Didn’t know any of that about Stapleton. He was always praised for “doing it right” and having a clean team. Interesting to read about his business practices.

  13. @Oli

    @JC BelgiumMy friend Genevieve Whitson just raced for New Zealand at Worlds, doing her best again to reprazent for Aotearoa in finishing 35th. I might be wrong, but I believe she is the first Kiwi to race Elite CX Worlds, either woman or man.

    respect for Miss Whitson! you should ask her about the atmosphere and how people feel about cyclocross. I can’t explain it, for me it s like ‘just another weekend’, although the WC are a bit more special…

    @Mikael Liddy

    @Oli Along those lines, Cycling Tips posted a pretty cool article on Lewis Rattray from Aus who competed in the mens race. Awesome story about how he got over there.

    Nice article. again: Respect for Mister Rattray!
    a clip from his blog:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE7EQjf4dS8&feature=player_embedded

  14. @Bill

    @frank Thanks for posting that. The VMH and I were at that race and it was incredible to see how she dominated the field. It was a cold, cold day with a frozen hardpack track, except for where they sprayed to introduce some mud.
    Here’s a pic I took on one of the brutal uphills (you can get an idea how steep it is by looking at the racer still riding at the bottom): http://www.flickr.com/photos/billsabub/5402098796/

    Wow, I’m not sure how I missed this. Very cool – and great shot! And the others as well. Thanks for sharing.

    @Ron

    Frank – Didn’t know any of that about Stapleton. He was always praised for “doing it right” and having a clean team. Interesting to read about his business practices.

    Businessmen are like politicians, but without the strong moral code. They are good at projecting one message out while doing something contrary on the inside.

    By no means am I suggesting, by the way, that his team wasn’t clean. I know nothing about that either way.

  15. @harminator

    @frank

    The goal is to have the sport stand on its own for its own (considerable) worth, and that starts with awareness, and that’s what we’re hoping to help out with.

    Exactly right. But doesn’t it all hinge on TV rights? Isn’t that where the big money comes from? Directly through network rights or indirectly through sponsors getting brand exposure. And TV dollars rely on ratings.
    Ask the regular woman if she supports better pay for woman cyclists and then ask how much cycling she watches on TV. I just don’t reckon theres enough women watching enough TV sport. Women’s sport simply doesn’t rate as well. Alot of men watch alot of sport but they watch mostly men’s sport.
    And don’t even mention the LFL…

    Teams dont’ get any moolah from the TV Rights – the race organizers do. The money comes in from sponsors who think they’ll make money by being on TV. So its all a big fucking circlejerk.

    @Oli

    If women’s racing was better supported, there would be more and better racing, creating a more professional and marketable scene in general. If the UCI are happy to sink millions into races in China to grow men’s cycling, why can’t they sink some into growing women’s racing? Their rationale for putting money into China (haven’t the Chinese got enough themselves?) is to give racing there a leg up – don’t women (over 50% of the retail cycling market right now!) deserve some assistance? I believe women’s racing on it’s day can be as exciting as men’s racing, and often more unpredictable. I’ve watched as many dull men’s races as I have dull women’s ones, so for me it’s just when the speeds are compared that the comparison suffers. Good racing is good racing, men or women.

    A fucking plus one. I’m glad I stopped on my above response before reading yours because your point is much better put.

    The UCI won’t do the right thing because they’re still stuck in the 90’s trying to figure out how to disown doping while secretly promoting it and protecting their money-maker riders. So it falls to us to start promoting it organically. Grass roots, baby!

    @scaler911, @Minion, @Calmante
    I’m no pro and I’m also no climber, and my VMH doesn’t stand a chance against me on short, steep climbs. But put us on a sustained climb and there’s no way I’m ever keeping up. Especially when the gradient changes and she just dances over that shit like it’s not even there.

  16. @Calmante
    Nice one!@JC Belgium

    @Ron

    @JC Belgium

    have you seen this:http://www.sporza.be/permalink/1.1207956I mean, come on! you didn t expect to win like this?

    Woah! The awesome thing to me, despite the pink underbritches, is that cross in on t.v. and being discussed. That’s boss for me, again, in spite of pink britches…

    they started at 10am, discussing about the candidates, the track, weather conditions, choice of tubes, showing reports and interviews… at 11am, live broadcast of the women’s race. after the race, interviews with several participants, coaches, family members… (then a short break, reports about a certain game with a round ball players keep chasing on a grass field or something.) at 1pm, it started all over again, but this time about men’s WC. the sports show ended at 5.30pm… in the news, again 20 minutes cyclocross.
    sporza (Belgian state television of Sports) is said to have excellent broadcasting of cycling and cyclocross. they have full time ‘cycling’ reporters, editors and film crews, and they ask former cyclists to comment and analyse races

    That is so incredibly awesome. I hope the coverage for the Classics is like that in April!

    That’s what the Tour coverage is like in France – my favorite was when Fignon was still alive he had a Pre-Race show called – and my French isn’t good enough to be sure I’m getting this right – “Se Fignon le Dit” – What Fignon Says, or If Fignon Says So. He’s spend an hour making his own predictions. That would be at about 8am. The race usually started several hours later, and there would be ample coverage before Fignons show and ample after. Just sun up to sun down cycling. It didn’t matter if it was any good, just so long as it was cycling!

  17. JC – I’m pretending you didn’t tell us all of that & that I’ve never read it. It makes me want to pack up my bikes, gear, VMH, dog + cats & immediately move to Belgium. I think the biggest mistake of my life was not traveling to see some cyclocross races last year when I was in Prague for February & March. How stupid of me!

    That is incredible though. If cycling was on t.v. that much I’d watch ball sports even less, which is already something I don’t do much of anymore. That sounds like heaven! Tube choices & psi talk on the telly? Crazy!

  18. @frank

    @Bill

    @frank Thanks for posting that. The VMH and I were at that race and it was incredible to see how she dominated the field. It was a cold, cold day with a frozen hardpack track, except for where they sprayed to introduce some mud.
    Here’s a pic I took on one of the brutal uphills (you can get an idea how steep it is by looking at the racer still riding at the bottom): http://www.flickr.com/photos/billsabub/5402098796/

    Wow, I’m not sure how I missed this. Very cool – and great shot! And the others as well. Thanks for sharing.
    @Ron

    Frank – Didn’t know any of that about Stapleton. He was always praised for “doing it right” and having a clean team. Interesting to read about his business practices.

    Businessmen are like politicians, but without the strong moral code. They are good at projecting one message out while doing something contrary on the inside.
    By no means am I suggesting, by the way, that his team wasn’t clean. I know nothing about that either way.

    Bullshit. I know this isn’t about cycling, but saying businessmen have no moral code is asinine. People don’t get rich by screwing their customers (unless, of course, your name is Abramoff, but then you end up in jail). They get rich by providing outstanding products or services profitably. Criminalization of capitalism is one of the biggest problems in the USA and I can’t abide by it. The mere idea that our politicians have a stronger moral position then non-elected Americans is so funny that I just shot green tea out of my nose reading that post…

  19. @frank
    Sounds like a base fitness problem to me ; ) It must be pick on Frank day in my house.

    I participated in the USA Cycling XC MTB Nationals last year in Sun Valley, ID. I was out practicing on the course the day prior to the race and a big group of female cyclists caught me on the long climb to the top (I got Chicked)… I was taking it easy, just getting the lay of the land, but decided to follow them along. Along the climb I realized a couple of things… the ladies were Pros, they were 7 or 8 years younger than me, and their ability to go fast was little different than mine. I was a first year racer in the Mens Cat 3 30-39 (and I was 39) group at the time. The point of the story is that the reason women’s athletics aren’t more popular is that in many cases it’s like watching a slower version of the men’s event- there I said it. For many viewers that’s just plain boring. Kind of like saying lets watch the Indy 500 at full speed and then run another race at 80% speed. which one will get the attention? Again, I enjoy women’s athletics, but I don’t compare to men, because in many sports there just isn’t any comparison.

  20. @Ron
    Ball sports? what in Merckx name is that?

    @frank

    @Ron
    I will try to post some more videos during the road season, there is a lot of full race footage on the internet… if you have some time, here is cyclocross as it should be (full report):

    GP Sven Nys (1 Jan 2012)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDhAlAjgmk

    if you have some more spare time, check World Cup Namen, GP Mario De Clercq Ronse, Koppenbergcross, Gavere, Druivencross Overijse, World Cup Zolder, World Cup Koksijde, Belgian Championships Hooglede-Gits (these are the ‘cyclocross classics’)

  21. @Anjin-san

    The mere idea that our politicians have a stronger moral position then non-elected Americans is so funny that I just shot green tea out of my nose reading that post.

    Hit a nerve, did we? For reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humour

    (I am in business myself, in case you think I’m just throwing stones. I am also pro-capitalism. I’m also saying Bob Stapelton has a different moral code than most other people and is an ass.)

  22. @Anjin-san

    The point of the story is that the reason women’s athletics aren’t more popular is that in many cases it’s like watching a slower version of the men’s event- there I said it. For many viewers that’s just plain boring.

    I disagree completely. We can’t tell how fast they’re going on TV. What is interesting is watching the battle play out between competitors – it has nothing to do with speed. We have no clue when watching how fast they are going – all we can see is if they are fighting with each other or not.

  23. Bollox, can’t get any of these video links at work – might have to bunk off home early

    For some reason I have an terrible urge to get a Canyon Nerve XC (and ride it on something slightly less challenging than that root section!)

    Love my Cx bike, can’t wait for next season’s whacky races – luckily there is a whole season on the road to suffer through in the meantime – yehaaa!

  24. For anyone stating that Women’s racing can’t be as good as Men’s: whether you’re right or wrong, I’d prefer for us to find out, rather than to theorize.

    After all, I find we can be more successful by believing something is possible than we are by knowing that its not.

    As Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

  25. For the record, I think women’s racing is exciting. However, I agree with Anjin-san on this one… If I can only watch one event this year, it’s not going to be Le Tour Feminine.

  26. @frank
    +1. Yes, big nerve. Of course I am used to it… the district I live in is the most liberal in the entire state. Capitalism here is a bad word…

  27. @Calmante

    For the record, I think women’s racing is exciting. However, I agree with Anjin-san on this one… If I can only watch one event this year, it’s not going to be Le Tour Feminine.

    Who’s talking about choosing between the two? We’re talking about it being a good sport that deserves more attention. Slightly different things.

    This dude posted this awesome youtube clip earlier that you should look at:

  28. @Ron

    I think the biggest mistake of my life was not traveling to see some cyclocross races last year when I was in Prague for February & March. How stupid of me!

    Or Roubaix, or Flanders…Right? Seriously, though, it makes you crazy to know what’s happening in Europe and here in the states they even shut down Universal Sports.

  29. @frank
    I think we are in violent agreement on this, but given the mode of communication, we are missing each others point. Women’s athletic events rock. I enjoy watching them, but from an advertising standpoint they do not typically draw the same number of viewers or high numbers of the really desirable demographics (can you tell I used to plan consumer product advertising campaigns in a different life?). Why? I think it’s because they get compared to the mens event, which is typically faster, harder-hitting, whatever the proper adjective is to describe the sport. And as Calmante pointed out we have limited time to watch so we typically choose the highest performing option because it tends to be more entertaining. That’s not sexist, just rational.

  30. @Anjin-san

    @frank
    +1. Yes, big nerve. Of course I am used to it… the district I live in is the most liberal in the entire state. Capitalism here is a bad word…

    You live in The Peoples Republic of Carrboro?

  31. @Anjin-san
    I agree thats the issue, but I also I believe that kind of short-term thinking is what causes 80% of our problems in society. As I said earlier, Women’s racing is today is comparable to Men’s racing in the 70’s or 80’s. Lower publicity, lower wages, a less tightly-packed field. People using your logic then, would have said many of the same things about Men’s racing that you and @Calimante are saying now.

    But as awareness grew, so did the interest and then so did the advertising opportunity and so on until were we are now where the difference between the top and second-tiers are negligible and doping helps fill any gaps there might exist naturally!

    Maybe there’s a middle ground…

    Fundamentally, the argument that Women’s Cycling is somehow inferior to Mens due to speeds or lack of competition is flawed; it has to do with exposure and publicity, which is something that we – as fans – have some small degree of control over.

    Even a sport like Alpine Skiing, if anything, the women’s races are every bit as exciting as the Mens, and there we have all the same conditions in terms of strength and speed and (previously) depth of field.

    @Buck Rogers
    Ha! Cross mojonations.

  32. @G’rilla

    Also, there are some things you can’t find on the Internet.
    I found out about a local rave-style cross series that has two more races in February and March. There’s sure to be rain and mud. If Frank builds his bike soon enough maybe he can join in the fun.

    Info? mebbe (albeit unlikely, but never know) road trip worthy from pdx!

  33. @frank
    No, Asheville, NC. I love Asheville. We have lived here for about 10 years after moving all over the country post-college. If you are into outdoor sports I really don’t think there are too many places in the country that are better. That said, in my opinion, it’s a little wonky from a political standpoint. Then again, politically speaking I am somewhere to the right of Attila the Hun, so I guess I shouldn’t judge : )

  34. @frank

    @Anjin-san
    I agree thats the issue, but I also I believe that kind of short-term thinking is what causes 80% of our problems in society. As I said earlier, Women’s racing is today is comparable to Men’s racing in the 70″²s or 80″²s. Lower publicity, lower wages, a less tightly-packed field. People using your logic then, would have said many of the same things about Men’s racing that you and @Calimante are saying now.
    But as awareness grew, so did the interest and then so did the advertising opportunity and so on until were we are now where the difference between the top and second-tiers are negligible and doping helps fill any gaps there might exist naturally!
    Maybe there’s a middle ground…
    Fundamentally, the argument that Women’s Cycling is somehow inferior to Mens due to speeds or lack of competition is flawed; it has to do with exposure and publicity, which is something that we – as fans – have some small degree of control over.
    Even a sport like Alpine Skiing, if anything, the women’s races are every bit as exciting as the Mens, and there we have all the same conditions in terms of strength and speed and (previously) depth of field.




    @Buck Rogers
    Ha! Cross mojonations.

    Fuck all I miss having Universal Sports! Watching both ladies and men navigate the Hahnenkamm at Kitzbuhel is as great as any spring classic to me. That left hander/ cross hill near the bottom (Zielschuss I believe) while doing 140+Kph? Good shit right there.

  35. @frank

    For anyone stating that Women’s racing can’t be as good as Men’s: whether you’re right or wrong, I’d prefer for us to find out, rather than to theorize.
    After all, I find we can be more successful by believing something is possible than we are by knowing that its not.
    As Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

    A-Merckx, but I think we’re getting off-track.

    1. Bikes and bike racing are awesome.
    2. Our sport benefits from a broader base.
    3. Women’s cycling needs more support to help it grow.
    4. The Velominati strive to learn about every aspect of this sport and serve as good ambassadors””ethically, aesthetically, and socially. Who ever heard of an either-or?

  36. Sport is about many things. Money and the business of sport is just one aspect.

    My velomispouse raced cross for a while. While she didn’t go quite as spectacular as Joey, she hit her head on a barrier, busting her helmet. If it wasn’t for the fine folks at Bell, I would now be the widower Eightzero. She’s OK, but the Other Dr. Eightzero is just a tad older than Jeannie Longo, and wants to stay ahead of her in that category. She digs cross, but schedule-wise, she couldn’t make it work.

    I can comment about a sport me and the velomispouse participate in: olympic fencing. We both fence epee, but the game between men’s and women’s is vastly different, even though the rules are identical. The women, while spectacular atheletes as well, are generally much more problem solvers. It isn’t about raw power and speed for them, but finesse and tactics. It can be much more entertaining to watch, and it most certainly gives me insight into my own game. I think this is true about women’s hockey and women’s basketball – and probably just about any sport. As to the latter, I’ve never understood why the WNBA uses a smaller ball. But- vive le difference.

    And just to the word appears somewhere in this thread: hot.

  37. Yes, I think all of us want women’s cycling to grow. Speaking as a flaming liberal, I would love to see equal wages, as well. When the amount of public interest reaches the same as men’s, then I’m sure wages will follow!

    The WNBA and the now defunct WUSA haven’t been able to do it yet, but who knows…

  38. @Dino
    Nothing been announced but there’s an afternoon ride in Madison on March 30th. Wiscot is also working on a ride in May.

  39. @scaler911

    That left hander/ cross hill near the bottom (Zielschuss I believe) while doing 140+Kph? Good shit right there.

    …On one leg over snow so hard you need crampons to walk across it, with totally shot canons! Downhill is badass…And yeah, there’s no women’s event there!

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