Nothing wrong with her comments. What a mountain out of a molehill.
Of course there is nothing wrong with her comments (about equating 'sexy' with riding a bike). The problem, as I see it, is the narrowness of mind of the media in focussing only on what 'the media' consider sexually newsworthy. Had VP looked like Felicia Ballanger (do your own research - safe to say she was no glamour girl) she (VP) would not have attracted a column inch in the UK. VP has a
very long way to go before she equals the
palmares of Ballanger, yet to read the papers,even some of the cyclng press, one would assume that VP is the only successful female British cyclist. By rights, Nicole Cooke, by far the most successful modern female cyclist, should attract the most attention, (again research) but she does not. Why not? Because she is not conventionally 'pretty' (though she melts my heart). Despite one 'glam' shoot she prefers to be judged by results alone, by her peers.
If VP wants to capitalise on her 15 minutes of fame good luck to her, it certainly doesn't harm the perception of cycling in the media, just lets not forget the other female cyclists who achieved greatness without playing the 'glam' card.
Anyone remember Beryl Burton? (Who, to me, was gorgeous). With her achievments (look 'em up, but give yourself a while) she would..... well decide for yourself.
We live in the 'short attention span' - 'sound/video byte' age. I chatted with, (about fruit of all things) indeed bought tea and buns, for Beryl Burton in a cafe in Yorkshire. I wonder, in years to come, how many will be able to say the same of VP?