‘Cyclists have to own their body shape’ – Athletes challenge stereotypes that can stop women getting on a bike

Body image concerns can stop women from getting on a bike – and the cycling industry finds itself in the dock. Even after her success, Scott was dropped from a magazine photo shoot when she sent her bike kit measurements to the firm who had invited her.

Scott, from Guildford, said: “I’ve always been athletic, but as a child I didn’t think of myself as athletic. That would be my No 1 piece of advice to women too self-conscious about getting on a bike – athletes come in all shapes and sizes.

“I have big legs. I’ve used them to cycle across countries and that’s an incredible thing. It’s about finding out what your body is capable of and learning to love it.”

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