Incursion, Empowerment and Sporting Triumphs. Women's Cycling in Costa Rica (1965-2019)

Abstract

The objective of this article is to study the historical evolution of women's cycling in Costa Rica, from the first opinion issued by a cyclist about its practice in 1965 to the creation of the Women's Commission by the Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo (FECOCI) in 2019. This commission helped consolidate the practice of this sport by advocating for women's rights, empowering them, and providing them with opportunities through sport. This will be done through data provided by the newspapers La República, La Nación and other digital periodicals. Emphasis will be placed on news about leading female cyclists, their major triumphs, and how this sport helped these women overcome the patriarchal prejudices that shaped their gender identity. Until 1990, this sport underwent a transition between social prohibition and health promotion. It began to gain visibility and acceptance in end-of-year celebrations and patron saint festivals. The participation of women's cycling in the National Sports Games in 1990 and the International Women's Tour of Costa Rica in 1991 promoted it to a national level. As an annual event, efforts are made to maintain the participation of athletes, increase attendance, and promote the participation of key figures. Despite this, the lack of state support and the incorporation of women into cycling remain significant challenges for its development.