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Lizzy Banks fears women’s cycling has ‘taken a step back’ after Giro Rosa was not televised and called on the UCI to put its money where its mouth is to help promote the sport
The 29-year-old is competing for Great Britain at the UCI Road World Championships this weekend but may want to use her time at Imola to bend the ear of the world governing body as ‘she asks for more support
Banks wrapped up a successful week at the Giro last weekend after securing her second career stage victory in the biggest race on the women’s calendar
But she described the race as the « Invisible Grand Tour » after a disappointing lack of live television coverage – something which is supposed to be guaranteed for a race of this level under UCI rules
Organizers said they were unable to fund production costs as they battled to get the race going despite financial restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but for banks, this is not enough
« What’s the point of having a race if it’s not on TV? » banks say « If people can’t watch it then there’s no point in running in the first place We’ve taken a step back from last year
« Women’s cycling is really exciting I know people want to watch it From the interaction I have on social media, I know there is an extremely increased fan base for women’s cycling
« But the UCI has to step in, it has to put its money where it is, and say we’re going to fund this for this year and then it’s your responsibility to get a sponsor
« Because if (the UCI) stipulates that the women’s World Tour teams must have a minimum wage, they must help us to have television coverage
« If we had live coverage I’m sure someone would be captivated and say it’s so good I’m going to sponsor him for five years Someone’s gotta put his balls on the line »
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Union Cycliste Internationale, Racing, UCI Road World Championships
News from around the world – GB – Lizzy Banks says women’s cycling has « taken a step back »