Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Racing => Topic started by: Thor on 21 February, 2010, 02:31:49 pm

Title: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Thor on 21 February, 2010, 02:31:49 pm
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/giro-organiser-says-italian-girls-will-be-on-the-podium-in-amsterdam (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/giro-organiser-says-italian-girls-will-be-on-the-podium-in-amsterdam)

Quote
Marco de Goede of the GroenLinks party had argued during a local council meeting that having podium girls was outdated and sexist.

 :)
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: gordon taylor on 21 February, 2010, 02:38:24 pm
I think Marco has a point here.

My wife goes berserk when the presentation is made at the end of a race on TV. She is so angry by the sexism that she now just won't watch cycle racing at all. She actually heckled the jersey presentation at our town-centre races two years ago.

Inclusive? I don't think so.

Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 21 February, 2010, 02:41:17 pm
"Because Amsterdam is known as the gay capital, he suggested that men or drag queens should be used for at least one stage finish presentation"    :hand:  The unacceptable face of political correctness I think !  Thank heavens he didn't get his way.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: clarion on 21 February, 2010, 05:02:35 pm
Afraid you'd be 'turned', are you? ;D

Why not, FHS?  It's pathetic and embarrassing that we need 'dolly-birds' on the podium.  Makes our sport look like one for greasy-haired, spotty-faced, adolescent boys who watch with one hand in their pants.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Moloko on 21 February, 2010, 05:05:51 pm
Quote
Well, I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why she walks like a woman and talks like a man

Road shoes.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 21 February, 2010, 08:49:10 pm
It's pathetic and embarrassing that we need 'dolly-birds' on the podium.  Makes our sport look like one for greasy-haired, spotty-faced, adolescent boys who watch with one hand in their pants.
???  Don't all male sports have dolly birds ?  Which ones don't ?

Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: andygates on 21 February, 2010, 09:49:33 pm
Are there dolly boys for the female athletes?
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Zoidburg on 21 February, 2010, 09:55:57 pm
Could they not simply offer a menu like when you book ahead for a works do meal?

Scantily clad female or male eye candy depending on the podium placed cyclists preference?

"Thats sexist!"

"Well we do offer a choice of pretty boys as well"
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: teethgrinder on 21 February, 2010, 09:58:17 pm
Are there dolly boys for the female athletes?

No, they get flowers. But that's not sexist.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 21 February, 2010, 10:08:41 pm
 Methinks this guy is *just* taking the opportunity to get his name and party name in the news.

At the pro races, the podium girls are there to represent the sponsor, to promote their image to the audience. The audience for cycle races is largely male. 

At the Olympics, Worlds and the like, they use females to carry they jerseys and medal on cushions. Usually local people sometimes in traditional costume. Perhaps this is what this chap was thinking of.  Maybe it is outdated and sexist. I don't really care, I rarely watch the ceremonies.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 21 February, 2010, 10:13:15 pm
Are there dolly boys for the female athletes?

No, they get flowers. But that's not sexist.
It wouldn't be sexist if the ladies got boy totty too ;)
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: arvid on 21 February, 2010, 10:16:00 pm
I found it a nice idea, but MSeries is right. We have municipal elections on March 3rd, and in Amsterdam there's quite a battle about getting the gay vote. This is probably just part of it.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: teethgrinder on 21 February, 2010, 10:39:15 pm
Are there dolly boys for the female athletes?

No, they get flowers. But that's not sexist.
It wouldn't be sexist if the ladies got boy totty too ;)

I agree.
Where does one go for an audition. :)
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 22 February, 2010, 08:56:09 am
This is about the Giro d'Italia in Amsterdam. This guy isn't trying to change the presentations in cycling generally, not even this years Giro d'Italia. It's not about cycling.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 22 February, 2010, 09:02:10 am
Are there dolly boys for the female athletes?

The Gito d'Italia doesn't have female racers. There is the Giro Donne but this chap in Amsterdam doesn't seem to care about that.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2010, 09:43:50 am
At the pro races, the podium girls are there to represent the sponsor, to promote their image to the audience. The audience for cycle races is largely male. 

I feel there is a circular connection between those two facts.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Thor on 22 February, 2010, 09:46:25 am
At the pro races, the podium girls are there to represent the sponsor, to promote their image to the audience. The audience for cycle races is largely male. 

I feel there is a circular connection between those two facts.

I was thinking the same.

Does the Giro Donne have podium Himbos? Do any races?
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 22 February, 2010, 09:48:17 am
At the pro races, the podium girls are there to represent the sponsor, to promote their image to the audience. The audience for cycle races is largely male.  

I feel there is a circular connection between those two facts.
Really, you think men watch mens cycle races because there are a few ladies at the finish ? I don't, what about the other men on here ?

Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 February, 2010, 09:53:35 am
I personally have no objections to some eye candy being present on a stage; and I'm fortunate to be married to someone who will discuss which one is the cutest (and it won't be the cyclist in sweaty lycra).

However, it does seem rather silly and pointless. An outmoded relic of a more chauvinistic age. There would be more point to having a celeb (actor, athlete, tv presenter) up there dishing out the prizes.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: vorsprung on 22 February, 2010, 09:54:14 am
The Gito d'Italia doesn't have female racers. There is the Giro Donne but this chap in Amsterdam doesn't seem to care about that.

It doesn't usually but......here is a female finisher of the Giro.  Clickly for more info

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_atrK-jBKJKY/SvSahmbHltI/AAAAAAAAJjg/eSt1HaIW3AQ/s400/alfonsina_1_u.jpg) (http://italiancyclingjournal.blogspot.com/2009/11/alfonsina-strada-at-1924-giro-ditalia.html)
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 22 February, 2010, 09:59:35 am
I personally have no objections to some eye candy being present on a stage; and I'm fortunate to be married to someone who will discuss which one is the cutest (and it won't be the cyclist in sweaty lycra).

However, it does seem rather silly and pointless. An outmoded relic of a more chauvinistic age. There would be more point to having a celeb (actor, athlete, tv presenter) up there dishing out the prizes.

They do. The podium girls just carry them out and hand them to the person presenting the prizes. It's often a dignatory from the town.

The point is for the jersey sponsors, it's marketing. Sponsors make cycle races happen. Professional racing is about advertising. Don't confuse it with sport. Ban podium girls and you'll have few sponsors and fewer races.

In the Olympics and The Worlds, the podium girls are much lower key, I don't think they pose for photos with the winners.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Kathy on 22 February, 2010, 11:26:03 am
At the pro races, the podium girls are there to represent the sponsor, to promote their image to the audience. The audience for cycle races is largely male.  

I feel there is a circular connection between those two facts.
Really, you think men watch mens cycle races because there are a few ladies at the finish ? I don't, what about the other men on here ?

I suspect you'll find it's the other way around: lots of women are put off watching cycle racing due to the totty factor.

Personally, I find it old-fashionedly chauvanistic, a bit like the Pepsi Max ads. "Congratulations, you have won. Have a bosomly wench as a reward." :-\

I'm sure someone will link this to the "rape" thread in a minute.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 22 February, 2010, 11:33:18 am
At the pro races, the podium girls are there to represent the sponsor, to promote their image to the audience. The audience for cycle races is largely male. 

I feel there is a circular connection between those two facts.
Really, you think men watch mens cycle races because there are a few ladies at the finish ? I don't, what about the other men on here ?

I suspect you'll find it's the other way around: lots of women are put off watching cycle racing due to the totty factor.

Do you think drag queens would make a difference ? Would drag queens make you watch cycle racing ?
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: andygates on 22 February, 2010, 11:51:18 am
I suspect you'll find it's the other way around: lots of women are put off watching cycle racing due to the totty factor.

Odd that, whenever the Tour is on and there are frauen around, they're all "cor, look at his lovely bum!"  ;D  The boy-totty factor is strong.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Zoidburg on 22 February, 2010, 04:24:19 pm
The Gito d'Italia doesn't have female racers. There is the Giro Donne but this chap in Amsterdam doesn't seem to care about that.

It doesn't usually but......here is a female finisher of the Giro.  Clickly for more info

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_atrK-jBKJKY/SvSahmbHltI/AAAAAAAAJjg/eSt1HaIW3AQ/s400/alfonsina_1_u.jpg) (http://italiancyclingjournal.blogspot.com/2009/11/alfonsina-strada-at-1924-giro-ditalia.html)
I would not be surprised if she was male or intersex.

It was much more common than you would think in pre war sport.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Regulator on 22 February, 2010, 04:33:35 pm
I suspect you'll find it's the other way around: lots of women are put off watching cycle racing due to the totty factor.

Odd that, whenever the Tour is on and there are frauen around, they're all "cor, look at his lovely bum!"  ;D  The boy-totty factor is strong.

Although somewhat lacking in recent years...  :'(




 ;D
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Rich753 on 22 February, 2010, 04:40:14 pm
I think people underestimate how professional the podium girls are - just watch how they manage the stage, bringing forward the local dignitary who doesn't know where to stand, reassuring the youngsters, making sure they are in the background for photos and the "important" people are centre stage.

all done with minimum fuss and maximum grace. 
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 22 February, 2010, 06:11:59 pm
For those neanderthals amongst us who still enjoy such things, there's a daily-added-to array of podium totty/others here PezCycling News - What's Cool In Pro Cycling (http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=dds/dds10/dds-feb10)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: arvid on 06 March, 2010, 08:28:19 pm
My newspaper has an article about the selection of the Giro Miss in Amsterdam. The local TV-station of Amsterdam makes a show out of that, starting March 24.

Apparently there is one guy that applied, and he made the last 10, he was fluent in Italian.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Polar Bear on 06 March, 2010, 08:37:25 pm
The point of the eye candy is to appease the wheezing old commercial codgers and club tie brigade.  It's sexist, exploitative and vulgar in my opinion.   Cycling is one of the few sports that really indulges in this now.   It serves no justifiable purpose.

As for whether competitors are male, female or intersex:  Why does it really matter?   They're all human beings.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: gordon taylor on 06 March, 2010, 09:01:19 pm
The point of the eye candy is to appease the wheezing old commercial codgers and club tie brigade.  It's sexist, exploitative and vulgar in my opinion.   Cycling is one of the few sports that really indulges in this now.   It serves no justifiable purpose.


+1. That's what I was trying to say, but you phrase it better, PB.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: giropaul on 06 March, 2010, 09:56:21 pm
If the podium team disappears who are the riders going to cop off with then? :demon:
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 06 March, 2010, 09:57:29 pm
If the podium team diappears who are the riders going to cop off with then? :demon:
the drag queens and homosexuals of course
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 07 March, 2010, 07:46:42 am
The point of the eye candy is to appease the wheezing old commercial codgers and club tie brigade.  It's sexist, exploitative and vulgar in my opinion.   Cycling is one of the few sports that really indulges in this now.   

The Olympics has podium girls.  So too does athletics.  Nobody seems to mind about these.  What makes the cycling podium girls so distasteful ?
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: gordon taylor on 07 March, 2010, 07:54:24 am
The Olympics alternates between male and female assistants at the medal ceremonies.

Males here:  http://www.minamat.com/assets/images/autogen/a_sydney1.jpg

Females here: http://news.bn.gs/images/articles/20080819111205540_1.jpg
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 07 March, 2010, 08:02:11 am
The Olympics alternates between male and female assistants at the medal ceremonies.

Males here:  http://www.minamat.com/assets/images/autogen/a_sydney1.jpg

Females here: http://news.bn.gs/images/articles/20080819111205540_1.jpg

Well I never !  I must've only noticed the female ones  :)  Do they arrange it that the men present at the women's events and vice versa ?
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 07 March, 2010, 08:34:10 am
Do they present at all ? I believe they carry the medal and trophies out and a dignitory presents them to the athletes. This is what happens in the Tour de France.

Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Polar Bear on 07 March, 2010, 05:40:23 pm
And the athletics and Olympic medal bearers don't then surround the champion in excessively close attendance for photographs.   
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: MSeries on 07 March, 2010, 05:42:01 pm
And the athletics and Olympic medal bearers don't then surround the champion in excessively close attendance for photographs.   
that's because they are not representing commercial sponsors I think. That's the difference.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: oncemore on 07 March, 2010, 09:14:42 pm
"I would not be surprised if she was male or intersex."

Why on earth would you make such an assumption? Simply "oh a WOMAN couldn't do that"? Now that's the reason why there are girls on the podium.

I know proves little, but she was twice married.
Title: Re: Podium Drag Queens Will Not Feature at Giro Amsterdam Stages
Post by: Zoidburg on 07 March, 2010, 09:19:33 pm
"I would not be surprised if she was male or intersex."

Why on earth would you make such an assumption? Simply "oh a WOMAN couldn't do that"? Now that's the reason why there are girls on the podium.

I know proves little, but she was twice married.
Because it was common, a gender test at the 36 Olympics would have ruled out almost the entire field in some events.

If they are competing with men at elite levels then sorry - they are most likely male or borderline.

And quite frankly she looks like a bloke - not a boy - a bloke with a heavy brow, jawline, build etc etc.