Women’s cycling is having a boom in popularity and exposure, and is being boosted by a few big stars including Puck Pieterse. The Dutch rider’s social media activity, Youtube videos and success over multiple disciplines makes her a very attractive figure and the Dutchwoman is also looking to inspire younger riders.
“Many girls drop out at U18 and U20, but if social media is full of clips of people having fun on the bike, then we can inspire them to continue,” Pieterse argued at Rouleur Live this Thursday evening in London.
“It’s important to show the outside world that it’s not all robotic. It’s not just: eat, sleep, train”. Whilst the professionalism is certainly kept by the Fenix-Deceuninck rider, one of the very best on the road, mountain biking and cyclocross all at once. The 23-year old also benefits from the TV broadcasting of most of her racing calendar, something a decade ago would be unthinkable.
“I started in the world of pro cycling at a good time. Before, there was just a small summary of the women’s race before the men’s race. Now, MTB races are on television, and for the younger girls, they know it’s a job. They can watch a full stage of the Tour de France.”
Record Numbers
Zwift director Kate Veronneau shared numbers on the Tour de France Femmes’ numbers, which show a very strong sign of improvement for the women’s peloton. “The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift had 148 million hours viewed worldwide. An 80% increase. We got into this to start a movement. It feels really good, four years on, to know that not only is it working, but we’re in for another four.”
“It’s wonderful when you can align what feels good and what is good for the future. But at the end of the day, it’s also a business. When the global reach grows, it grows on Zwift as well.”
In 2024, Puck Pieterse beat Demi Vollering to win her first Tour de France Femmes stage in Liège. @Imago