Cycling Federation of Belize opens Women’s Cross-Country Race to junior cyclists

Posted: Friday, April 11, 2025. 10:51 am CST.

Irene Baki, center, won the Women’s Junior Cross Country last Sunday – Photo Credit: CFB

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) has announced that Junior Youth Women cyclists will be allowed to compete in the upcoming Women’s Cross-Country race, following advocacy from team representatives.

According to the CFB press release on Friday, April 11, the request was made by team representatives after the recent Junior Youth Women Cross-Country event, leading to careful consideration by the Federation.

The CFB emphasized that this decision aligns with its commitment to fostering inclusivity and development within the sport.

The CFB also noted that team representatives referenced the men’s Cross-Country race during discussions, highlighting that Junior male cyclists have historically been allowed to participate alongside senior competitors.

“Initially, our position was that junior athletes would not be permitted to participate,” the CFB said.

“However, the teams questioned why junior male athletes are allowed to participate in the male elite version of the same event, while junior women are excluded.”

The Federation reaffirmed its adherence to UCI policies, stating that all decisions are made with athlete development and safety as top priorities.

“Based on these consultations, and in accordance with best practices, a decision was made to permit junior women participation under strict conditions. One such condition is that any junior rider who falls more than 20 minutes behind the race envelope will be required to withdraw from the event.”

After criticism by top rider Kaya Cattouse that the CFB had made the decision to maintain the Women’s Cross-Country sponsorship, the CFB said the decision wasn’t made to maintain a quota to hold on to race sponsorship.

“It is important to clarify that this decision was not influenced by a sponsorship quota or a threat to event funding. The sponsor’s only requirement was that the Federation demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of the sport and that of women in cycling—a commitment we fully embrace. We continue to ensure that all opportunities for athlete development include women cyclists at every level.”

Additionally, the CFB recognized the importance of consistency and collaboration in building the sport over time.

“We recognize that building a sport takes time, resources, consistency, and collaboration. It is under this executive’s leadership that, for the first time, a specific racing category was introduced for Junior Youth Women’s cyclists,” the CFB stated.

They further highlighted how, in the past, financial limitations and low participation rates led to races being grouped into a single category, merging ages and experience levels. However, with growing interest from various towns and cities, women’s cycling has seen steady participation increases, allowing for the introduction of separate racing divisions.

This year, Junior Youth Women cyclists competed in their own Cross-Country race. The race, held last Sunday, saw Irene Baki emerge as the champion. The CFB considers that to be a significant achievement for youth women cyclists in the country.

Controversy aside, with this ruling, Junior Youth Women cyclists will have the opportunity to compete in one of Belize’s most prestigious cycling events. The CFB hopes this serves to further strengthen women’s representation in the sport.

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The post Cycling Federation of Belize opens Women’s Cross-Country Race to junior cyclists appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Friday, April 11, 2025. 10:51 am CST. Irene Baki, center, won the Women’s Junior Cross Country last Sunday – Photo Credit: CFB By Rubén Morales
The post Cycling Federation of Belize opens Women’s Cross-Country Race to junior cyclists appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.