The President of the Pan American Cycling Confederation (COPACI), José Manuel Peláez, sent a congratulatory message to all women cyclists on the occasion of International Women’s Day, celebrated this Sunday, March 8th.
In his message, published on his social media, Peláez highlighted the dedication and sacrifice of those who practice this sport and recalled an anecdote that demonstrates the resilience of female cyclists in the Americas. Below, we reproduce the message verbatim.
A WARM EMBRACE FOR WOMEN CYCLISTS
This Sunday, March 8th, could not pass without congratulating all the women in the world of cycling, especially those in the Americas. Cyclists, judges, federation officials, coaches, journalists, and a long list of others, receive a warm embrace of gratitude from the Pan American Cycling Confederation.
You have not only earned a place among us, but you have done so with a love and tenderness that makes us respect and love you even more. Every medal and every day of training bears the mark of a double sacrifice, as you don’t abandon your responsibilities as mothers, your studies, or your household duties. And that has immense value.
I could tell you many stories about great women cyclists in the Americas. However, I prefer to simply recall that young woman who, after a fall in a velodrome, her shoulder filled with wood splinters, got up and rode again until she finished the race. I saw tears in many eyes. And when she crossed the finish line, she didn’t cry. I could barely give her a hug. The usual hug.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TO ALL WOMEN THIS MARCH 8TH.