Riders' partners find it's a man's world
Wives and girlfriends left out in cold despite the role they play in supporting the competitors
They tend to wounds and provide much-needed mental support all year around, yet the wives and girlfriends (Wags) of professional riders often feel left out in the sport's male-dominated world.
Cycling Wags emerged into the public consciousness during last year's Tour de France when Chris Froome's partner, Michelle Cound, engaged in a Twitter clash with Bradley Wiggins' wife over Team Sky's tactics.
For once, pro riders' partners took a seat at the table without asking permission, which is not always welcome.
"The teams are not really partner-friendly," Cound explained.
"I was fortunate enough to join the team at Criterium International last year, because I was still living in South Africa at the time. I understand there was a management meeting held to approve me being there, and even so I wasn't allowed to have dinner at the 'riders table', I was only allowed to sit with the staff," the South African, who also handles Froome's personal communication, said.
"I do think it's a little archaic. It is very much a male world. Also, I get the impression that people expect me to 'know my place' as a partner, I should be 'seen and not heard'."