The Men of Mid South

Racer’s had not yet crossed the finish line at yesterday’s The Mid South gravel race in Stillwater, Oklahoma when multiple social media commenters noticed something off with the race organization’s coverage of the field: there were no updates on the women’s race. Even the Epic Rides series of marathon mountain bike races chimed in that there was no coverage of the women multiple hours into the event. 

By my estimation of looking at time stamps , there was no mention of any women on Mid South’s main Instagram feed until about two hours after they had posted their first picture of the men’s field. The Mid South account posted over 20 pictures of men, and only 8 pictures of women on race day. Most of the pictures of men were posted before any women were posted, despite this being a mass start event where the races run at the same time. 

The Mid South did acknowledge the lack of coverage in an Instagram Stories post that said: “The Mud is insane. Lots of vehicles are stuck. We will have coverage of the women’s race as soon as possible.” 

So the excuse from the race organization seems to be that it was that the mud hindered coverage of the women’s field. This statement is a non-sequitur as this did not impede coverage of the men’s field. Why did it impede coverage of the women’s field? It’s necessary to ask questions about why something happened in order to be welcoming off all athletes in our sport. 

On The Mid South’s Instagram Story, it looked like the people following the men’s race were driving a 4WD vehicle that could handle the muddy conditions. Why couldn’t that vehicle have circled back or waited at a section of course to provide coverage of the women’s race? 

One instagram commenter mentioned that there was only one media team covering the race for the race organization. I do not know if this commenter was affiliated with the race organization (so I don’t know the accuracy of his claim), but what the comment implied was how could one team provide coverage for two races. I would point to my suggestion above of circling back on course. I don’t see why the media team needs to see the men to the finish before covering the women. 

One of the photos posted in The Mid South’s main Instagram feed is of what looks to be an older woman who has just crossed the finish line. The caption reads, “Death to the exclusivity of cycling. Everyone matters.” 

One way to change the culture of inclusivity in cycling is by greater representation of women in coverage of racing. Only posting 8 photos of women on race day adds to this exclusivity. If The Mid South is serious about inclusivity, they should make better plans ahead of next year for how they will cover the women’s race.