In honor of International Women's Day, we are proud to shine the spotlight on a group of amazing female-identified riders who represent Vitus. These folks are an integral part of the larger cycling community, which has made some major strides toward gender equality but still has a long way to go. We aim to work towards that goal by uplifting their voices. They are more than essential elements of the Vitus family; they embody the strength, perseverance, and determination that inspires us daily, both on and off the bike. We’d like to share that inspiration with all of you. Here they are, in their own words.
CLAIRE SHARPE, VITUS AMBASSADOR
What is your favorite type of ride?
Any ride that feels like an adventure. And for me, that's anything that gets me off roads and out in the forest or in the middle of nowhere.
What's the biggest progression you have seen in the bike industry?
Better representation of women and non-binary people. But I'd say it's not enough. I'd love to see that being put into practice by the products that the bike industry offers. I want to see bikes that are lighter, with extra-small frames or standard brake levers that are easy to reach.
Who's your biggest female inspiration?
My biggest biking inspiration has got to be Evie Richards. She's fast, she's committed to progressing and she just makes riding a bike look like really good fun. And that's how I feel when I ride my
bike.
What does biking do for your spirit?
When I'm riding my bike, my spirit just feels alive.
CATO O'BRIEN, VITUS AMBASSADOR
What's the biggest progression you have seen in the bike industry?
The number of female riders out locally on the weekends, the amount of women's groups popping up, the amount of women you meet out on the trails. It's amazing to see, and so good for our biking community.
Who's your biggest female inspiration?
I'm going to move away from the bike slightly – it's a lady called Lynn Hannah. She has climbed Everest twice. She has no limit, and I absolutely admire her. I can't believe that somebody would do something that huge, and then go back and do it a second time! She's my personal source of inspiration.
HANNAH MULLIN, VITUS ATHLETE
Who's your biggest female inspiration?
That would have to be Rachel Atherton. Six-time World Champion, 39 World Cup wins, and after many injuries she just keeps coming back and chasing the podium. She inspires me to be a better rider.
What does biking do for your spirit?
It helps me de-stress from everyday life. It also gives me an opportunity to be with friends and have good times.
LAURA ALLAN, VITUS ATHLETE
What is your favorite type of ride?
A few good friends out having a laugh. Ideally some good steep corners and just a bit of carnage.
Who's your biggest female inspiration?
I wouldn't say just one person. The whole movement of women in biking, with events like Red Bull Formation coming through in the last few years, and having women being showcased and competing, is inspiring to see.
What does biking do for your spirit?
Biking keeps me happy. You go out in a forest and don't think about anything apart from the ride, and it just totally relaxes you.
These women inspire us today and every day. To all the women riders out there: thank you.