Cyclist and journalist Marijin de Vries tweeted an image of the podium, showing the winning cyclists and the four models, following the Flanders Diamond Tour – the penultimate race in the Belgian Lotto Cycling Cup.
Ms de Vries said the use of the models was “an utter disgrace”. Christine Majerus, who finished fourth, tweeted that she was glad to have missed out on the podium finish.
Other tweets pointed out how it might look if the same treatment was given to a men’s event.
— Lotto Cycling Cup (@LottoCyclingCup) June 15, 2015
However, Ms de Vries questioned: “Was there no one of your organisation present at the race who could stop this?”
The race was won by London 2012 Olympian Jolien d’Hoore, of Belgium, with fellow countrywoman Kelly Druyts in second and Germany’s Lisa Brennauer in third.