PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND – In a last minute development, Providence-based G-Form LLC has signed on to close the gap in prize payments for the women’s podium at Saturday’s Providence International. G-Form manufacturers protective athletic gear and electronics accessories using their proprietary technology, which stiffens upon impact.
Olympic mountain biker Lea Davison and Joanna Petterson, professional downhill mountain bike racer and bike product manager at G-Form, were integral in solidifying the last minute deal.
Davison, in Providence for only her second ‘cross race said, “I was looking at the prize list and was disappointed in the discrepancy between the men’s and women’s podium,” she said, “I spoke with (race promoter) Richard Fries and was able to contact my friends at G-Form to even out the podium payouts.”
Petterson said, “Unequal prize lists are a common issue in all sports, not just cycling. G-Form isn’t directly involved in cyclo-cross, but the issue is important. I approached our committee with the idea and as a local business and as athletes, we felt it was a perfect opportunity to do something tangible.”
Fries added, “It’s easy to complain about problems, but it’s more difficult to find solutions. With the help of Lea Davison, Joanna Petterson and all the folks at G-Form, we’ve taken a necessary step toward prize equity.”
G-Form supports the development of the future generation of women racers by sponsoring the Little Bellas mentoring program. Little Bellas mission is to get girls riding and having fun in a constructive environment. For more information on the Little Bella’s mentoring program, visit www.littlebellas.com.
The fourth annual Providence Cyclo-cross Festival will be held Oct. 6 & 7, 2012. Held in Roger Williams Park on a course used for the 2005 and 2006 U.S. National Cyclo-cross Championships, the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival returns as a UCI sanctioned Category 1 event . Organized by Providence Cross Fest LLC, the event is also part of the Shimano New England Cyclocross series. For more information, visit www.providencecrossfest.com
