Women’s cycle race apology over ‘bikini-clad models’

This is the podium of today’s Flanders Diamond Tour, a UCI 1.1 women’s race. What an utter disgrace @LottoCyclingCup! pic.twitter.com/lVHu8ksqGe

— Marijn de Vries (@marijnfietst) June 14, 2015

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.

podium equality @marijnfietst @LottoCyclingCup @UCIWomenCycling #womenscycling pic.twitter.com/tMZwQk486N

— Anna Zivarts (@annabikes) June 15, 2015

The organisers of the cup apologised for the “outrageous show”, saying they found it “inappropriate” – but blamed the local organisation.

We as @LottoCyclingCup . want to apologize for the outrageous show o/t LOCAL organisation, we find it also inappropriate @marijnfietst 1/2

— Lotto Cycling Cup (@LottoCyclingCup) June 15, 2015

We as @LottoCyclingCup are not responsible for this show. and let us look to the nice victory of @JolienDhoore @WiggleHonda @marijnfietst

— 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.