Podiums

I was reviewing some racing results a few days back when I came across some podium shots of the top three riders that left me in a state of shock.  And it wasn't because a hill climber had won a sprinter's jersey.

(Photo by Bettini)

It was a race closer to home, here in Victoria.  And I don't want to cause alarm or single out anyone, because I want to do the absolute opposite and actually encourage people to want to get into cycling and race.  Because anyone can (go on, do it!).  But to make the point I feel I have to share this, so I do apologise:



















You know what, I can't do it.  While searching for the image I found some more podium shots of sloppy attire and poor presentation that disappointed me further.  So let me zip up my jersey and get up on my soap box for a second as I give you my top five tips for presenting well at a podium. I have used some of my own podium shots instead of the more disappointing examples (which also provides the added benefit of re-living glories of the past).

1). Show up.  I know, it sounds so simple.  But please do it. Being at a podium presentation is so important for the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, and all your own personal sponsors. It shows respect for everyone that has done so much for the event and for you personally, and I can't stress this enough.

State Titles, Individual Pursuit, 2005

This was my first ever podium at a state title, at my first ever open track event, and I couldn't even share the image with Warragul Cycling Club or the Club's sponsor, Bikeland, because the first place winner had gone home early! The image of second and third looking goofy as we posed on the top spot didn't really cut it with the local media either. Not that I wanted the fame, but I had borrowed equipment from club members in order to race and I wanted to thank them and show them, 'See! Your help got me a medal at States!' Instead, I doubt the image was used by the event promoter, or by the State sanctioning body (then CycleSport Victoria). I never thought of it at the time, but these days I look at this image and think: how on earth do you promote women in sport if you don't have an appropriate image to use?

2) If it is cold, don't put the trackies on. You look like a hobo. And I know you are looking for a picture of me in my trackies on a podium but I don't think I have one in my collection (and I am desperately searching my brain for an example where I did wear trackies at a podium presentation so I won't be exposed later. Still can't think of any - phew!). If it is cold, this is how you should look:

2009 Cyclo-Cross World Cup (And no, I am not in this)

Yep that is snow falling.  And they are not trackies. They are actually cycling pants that you ride in when the weather is minus forty. You wear a long sleeve team jersey if it is freezing, and you can wear a beanie. If you don't have these items, you could consider wearing black leg warmers and arm warmers. The key is to look like a cyclist, not someone out on a Friday night fish and chip dinner run.

It is also important to note that the women on the podium are not wearing the snow-drenched cycling kit they raced in. They are in their spare kit, which they probably call their podium kit. If you are like me and more realistic about your chances of winning, you call it your spare kit..

3) Wear the right kit and the right equipment. Again, sounds really simple. Wear your cycling kit well and in the correct fashion.
At a race in the US my teammate and I had a great day and we placed second and third. But what made it super special was that it was the first time ever that two people with type 1 diabetes had shared a podium at a National level race before. We had made history. It became massive news. The podium shot was shared far and wide.

Kelly Cup, Baltimore, 2008

Only problem was my teammate, Morgan, wasn't wearing the right sunglasses. We were sponsored by Oakley but she didn't have hers with her, and it was a super bright day. We did the right thing and took the glasses off for the podium picture (the winner, Megan, could have possibly taken note of this too), but the keen eyes at Oakley spotted the inconsistency and called the team out on it. It was potentially damaging for sponsor relations with the team, but thanks to some clever negotiating, Oakley forgave us the error. And I too have podium presentation flaws because my (Oakley) glasses blocked the SRAM logo of the team hat. Luckily no one said anything about that, which I was very grateful for.

4) Put the awards carefully at your feet. You might get flowers, a stuffed cow or lion, a slab of cheese or a nice big plaque while up on the podium. Sponsors and race organisers love to have a picture of you with each of them. Show each award with respect and pose with the award before carefully placing it at your feet so you can gracefully receive the next award or item. My good mate Jen and I still laugh about her placement of the flowers, which she shoved between her legs. The photographer has kindly edited most of it out but you can still see the top of the yellow flowers:

FSA Grand Prix, Seattle, 2007, Individual Pursuit

5) Smile. You might grace the podium all the time. You are probably all relaxed about it and are over all the pomp and ceremony, even if it is just a small little race that you don't care for.

Or, it might be THE race of your calendar. Perhaps - to use another shot of the best cyclist in the world in this post - you are a shoe-in to win the race and have your name all over it. But you miss out, winning silver. Five years in a row. And to say that is devastating is an understatement.

Marianne Vos on silver number 5 (2011). Totally heartbreaking. (Photo Bettini)

But all credit to the amazing athlete that is Marianne Vos - who is such a total legend it isn't funny - she still pulled it together for the official podium shot:

2011 Road World Championships Women's Podium (Photo Bettini)

Having your smile and your happiness to be there is important. The podium isn't just there for your glory, it is for the glory of the event and everyone involved in bringing that event into existence. It shows respect for your competitors, the audience and the promotion of future editions.  Without the event captured in this way, the event is nothing.
As you can tell I didn't make the top step of the podium often. I have been happy with what I have achieved, but always thought my future chances were still open to me. Then you crash, break your back in four places and stuff your shoulder. Then your team withdraws their contract offer. Suddenly there are no more future podium possibilities. Just the memories and the pics of you on the podium, in the right uniform and clothing, and looking so very happy to be there.

Country Track Titles (thanks Warragul!) 2006?

(And yes, all three of us are not in correct footwear! Wear your cycling shoes!)