In recent years, the inclusion of women's events in prestigious cycling Classics has become commonplace, marking a significant shift in the sport. Historically, major races like Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo did not feature women's competitions, with the trend really picking up only around 2020 and beyond. While this evolution is positive, the article raises questions about the sustainability of merely adding women's races to the existing men's calendar without considering the unique needs and character of women's cycling. It warns against the notion of making the women's calendar a mere duplicate of the men's events.
If you watch or attend any big Classic, from Strade Bianche to Liège-Bastogne-Liège, you'll notice that they all have races for both men and women. It's the norm.
Looking back to 2000, really not that long ago, the concept of a men's Classic also hosting a women's event was an anomaly, with no Tour of Flanders, Gent-Wevelgem, or Dwars door Vlaanderen.
Because adding women's versions of men's Classics has become the norm in recent years, it would be easy to start thinking that that should be the next logical step for E3.
We need to respect the unique characteristics of women's cycling rather than just attempting to create a mirror image of the men's racing calendar.
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