I don’t know if you would be aware of this, or not, but there has been a lot of banter in the Chicago Cyclocross Community over the last few weeks, surrounding the lack of parity in payouts for the Women’s 123 races, as compared to the Men’ 123 races. Please see article below. Last year, the Chicago Cross Cup guaranteed equal minimum payouts for both elite men and women. Under a new policy, the elite men’s purse may increase to three times that of the women’s elite payout. While it’s too late to change the series guidelines for this year, external funds from bike industry leaders, as well as individual donors, will help bridge the payout gap. These contributors believe in equal payouts for women and are willing to show their support in a tangible way. The Chicago Women’s CX Fund will accept donations in cash and product to raise money to equalize the Womens’ Category 1/2/3 payouts in 2012 Chicago Cyclocross Cup races. Product donations will be auctioned online with proceeds added to the fund. The fund has received initial contributions from Ruckus Components, TATI Cycles, The Bonebell and various individual donors. Equal payouts have already been guaranteed at the xXx Racing-AthletiCo season opener in Jackson Park and atHopkins Park through Half Acre Cycling, Robots Powered by Love, and North Central Cyclery. Today, Saturday September 29, 2012 I received support from Brendan George, owner of Alberto’s Cycles in Highland Park(Illinois) so that there would be parity/equality of payouts between the women and the men. Brendan is generously pledging to make up the difference, between what the Chicago Cyclocross Cup Series has set for the payouts for the women’s 123 race – which have been based on attendance – and what the men’s 123 racers are awarded. This donation creates parity between the women and the men in terms of payouts. Psycho Cross After Dark, and Psycho Cross 2012 want to send a big THANK YOU to Brendan George and Alberto’s Cycles for their continued – and additional – support of our races. Ted “T-Bone” Schweitzer |
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