The Reasons for Why the Tour de France is Not Gender-Mixed with Separate Rankings for Female Riders

The recent introduction of the Tour de France Femmes has brought some balance to the cycling world. However, the question remains: why doesn't the Tour de France feature gender-mixed races, with separate rankings for female riders? In this article, we explore the various reasons why this is the case.

Gender-Specific Events for Top Performers

The Tour de France is an elite event for the world’s best cyclists. These riders are selected based on their exceptional performance and ability to compete at the highest level. It wouldn’t be fair or practical to mix genders in a race where female cyclists, despite impressive abilities, may not match the physical demands required. Women and men generally compete in a range of sports because of the wide disparity in physical capabilities due to biological differences.

Physical Limitations and Biological Differences

Biological differences mean that women and men compete in different sports where they are almost on equal footing. Cycling requires significant physical strength and endurance, which males generally possess in greater quantities. Women, on average, carry less blood volume and have around 10% less hemoglobin, translating to less oxygen available to their muscles. Additionally, women have a tenth of the testosterone that men do, resulting in less muscle and weaker, shorter bones. Research also shows that women typically ride about 10% slower than men, making it challenging for female cyclists to compete at the same level.

Race Logistics and Fairness

Another key reason for separate races is logistical and fairness for all participants. The distance in women’s cycling events is often halved, reflecting their average physiological limitations. In the 2020 Olympics, the men’s time trial race was 44.2 kilometers, while women raced 22.1 kilometers. Moreover, as a marathon event, there are no stops for toilet breaks. In a mixed race, this would present a significant challenge for female cyclists and could lead to unfairness. Furthermore, there are considerations about the strain on women’s physical health, particularly regarding the seat fit and pressure sores, as noted by many female riders.

Evolutionary and Physiological Adaptations

Sexual dimorphism, or the differences between males and females, is evident in many species. From cows to great apes, males are generally stronger and larger, engineered to endure physical confrontation. In contrast, females are primarily designed for child-rearing and gathering food, where physical dominance is less critical. This evolutionary adaptation explains why women generally lack the upper body strength, lung capacity, and muscular mass necessary for top performance in endurance sports like cycling.

Current Separation and Future Developments

Fortunately, the cycling world is making strides to provide female riders with challenging races. The Tour de France Femmes, which started in 2022, runs on the same day as the men's race but over a much shorter period of 8 days. Other notable female competitions, such as the Giro Rosa, provide a platform for female cyclists to showcase their talents on more competitive terrain.

While gender-specific events may not represent complete equality, they ensure that female cyclists have opportunities that are tailored to their strengths and physical realities. These events also highlight the tireless efforts and achievements of female cyclists who consistently push the boundaries of what they can do in the face of significant physical challenges.

As the world evolves, it's important to acknowledge both the progress we have made and the areas where there is still work to be done. The Tour de France Femmes, for example, is an excellent step towards recognizing women's contributions in the world of cycling.