Colorado Governor Polis declares July 17 “Equity in Cycling Day” to support the cause and Colorado Classic race
(DENVER, CO—JULY 17, 2019) - The 2019 Colorado Classic® presented by VF Corporation launched the “Equity in Cycling Pledge” today that asks fans around the world to show their support for gender equality in professional cycling. Colorado Governor Jared Polis also has declared July 17 as Colorado Classic Equity in Cycling Day with an official state proclamation, stating that, “Colorado as a state believes in equal pay and opportunities regardless of gender.”
"We in Colorado support the Colorado Classic’s bold move to be the premier women’s-only race,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. "With this proclamation making July 17 Colorado Classic Equity in Cycling Day, I want to inspire women athletes and highlight equity in pro cycling because equality matters, in athletics, the workplace, and in all walks of life."
With a gross disparity in women’s pro cycling in terms of pay, media and TV exposure and racing opportunities, the “We Ride” Pledge (https://www.coloradoclassic.com/pledge) aims to create awareness of the gender gap and help bring equality to cycling and all women’s sports.
The Colorado Classic is a game-changing pro cycling race that is advancing equity for women athletes by focusing only on women’s racing, offering higher prize money, live start-to-finish TV coverage, more challenging routes, favorable start times and greater opportunity for racers and teams. The Classic is a standalone UCI 2.1 four-stage pro cycling race coming to Colorado through Steamboat Springs, Avon, Golden and Denver from August 22 through 25.
“This year’s race is becoming more than a race, it’s becoming a movement,” said Lucy Diaz, COO of RPM Event. “The race is inspiring others to advance equity for women in sports and life. For all women, for all athletes, for young girls riding a bike, shooting a basketball, kicking a soccer ball, now is the time for change. Just as the U.S. women’s team is doing for soccer, it’s time to take a stand and demand gender equity in pro cycling. It’s time for cycling’s Billie Jean King moment.”
