Be Quiet, Trolls. We’re Trying to Start the Body-Positive Cycling Revolution.
Dariel Ramirez, 28, is a former UCI pro road cyclist who came in 28th at the road National Championships in Cuba in 2015. He has since gone on to compete at the Cat 3 level in local crit and road races in the U.S. Earlier this year, Ramirez won at the Majestic Crit in California.
But just a few weeks ago, a video of the win circulated, and the comments section turned ugly. Originally posted by Ray Marz, who documents and celebrates the road cycling scene in California, it was then also shared by Diversity in Cycling.
“Classy win by Dariel Ramirez in a US Cat 3 race earlier this year and posted online three weeks ago. We are sharing this now because the Instagram post celebrating Dariel’s win attracted the kind of negative comments that highlight the snobbery and elitism that exists in amateur racing. Several people spoke up and called out the haters,” the Diversity in Cycling post read.
“There are so many issues here. People are mocking his body shape, implying that bigger men and women do not belong in cycling…One poster brought race into the equation suggesting ‘the police were chasing him.’ WTF?”
Ramirez also posted to social media, in reaction to all of the comments on his win, saying, “It saddens me when people judge you only by your color or by your physical condition.” He goes on to say that he’s been in the sport for 13 years, with multiple results, and thanks those who have supported him.
Andy Edwards, who wrote and founded Diversity in Cycling, told Cycling Weekly, “Some of these keyboard warriors are the same people who complain about the lack of road races and sponsorship, but they cannot seem to connect the dots. Sports that succeed in drawing the biggest audiences and sponsorship deals are the ones that are most inclusive. The world is changing, and so must cycling otherwise it will get left behind.”
People can be horrible, especially when semi-anonymous and on social media. We need to acknowledge that there is still an incredible amount of work to be done to make the sport inclusive to all. Luckily, there are already many outstanding people, doing big, important things to welcome all people to cycling.
Body-positive, inclusive cycling groups
Marley Blonsky, co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, recently partnered with SBT GRVL to continue promoting size-inclusion in gravel bike racing. Ten Spots will be reserved for a cohort of non-traditional athletes who will be supported in their preparation and training. Applications for the program opened on Sunday, October 15th and will close on Tuesday, October 31st at midnight. Selected participants for 2024 will receive a free registration for SBT GRVL 2024 for the distance of their choice (37, 60, 100, or 142 miles).
Queer Gravel facilitates safe spaces, rides, and events for all people. Through meetups, group rides, clinics, mutual aid, and advocacy, they are working to shift the landscape of the cycling world.
Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) now has chapters all over the U.S. The organization is working towards gender inclusivity and racial equity in cycling and the outdoors. It provides education, connection, resources, and support for the community and the cycling industry.
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