Exergy Tour

When it comes to professional sports, Title IX no longer comes into play. Most men don't make a career out of sports because they can't compete at the highest level.  But women, even those who dominate their sport, don't make a career out of it because they simply can't make a living through athletics.  This becomes painfully clear in the world of cycling.  The top men are rich while the top women struggle to get by without taking on a "day job." 

I do not think the heart of the problem is that men are faster, stronger, more athletic… I would argue that women's racing at the top level is just as exciting as men's racing.  Whether we are averaging 25mph or 30mph… racing looks very similar.  There are the same same dynamics, the same passion (if not more), the same gut-wrenching efforts… all ending in the same heartache or triumph.  And all the women have interesting stories, backgrounds, and personalities.  I think the problem lies in lack of support and lack of media.

Most companies are not lining up to sponsor women's teams, promoters do not want to put money into women's events, and the media provides little coverage.  It is a bit of a catch 22.  Why would sponsors and promoters want to support teams and events that get no media coverage?  And why would the media want to cover small events that are not well funded or well established?

Exergy broke this trend last week by putting on a world class cycling event in Idaho… for women.  They didn't skimp or scale down the production because it was a women's race.  The accommodations, the support, and most importantly, the races were what every pro male would expect.  And what every pro woman dreams about.  We had a top notch event to call our own.  Top teams from all around the world came to participate.  And people could follow from the comfort of their own homes on Tour Tracker… for the first time, friends, family, and fans could watch a women's cycling tour live from their home computer (or even their mobile phone).

Women's cycling hasn't been changed overnight, but Exergy took us a step in the right direction and I can only hope that this step will take us leaps forward in the future.  Thank You Exergy!