"Challenging Long-Standing Norms" - Tour de France Femmes Cyclists Discuss Struggles with Low Body Weight and Menstrual Irregularities
In the world of professional cycling, athletes are shedding light on a long-standing taboo – the impact of menstruation and weight loss pressure on their health. Cedric Kerbaol, a cyclist, has been leading the charge, using his platform to raise awareness and promote healthy nutritional strategies.
Kerbaol, currently competing in the GC battle at the Tour de France Femmes, has created an Instagram account, @f.e.e.d_powr, to speak out on these issues. He discusses the challenges of maintaining a balance between health and top performance in cycling, due to the focus on w/kg, and the growing movement of riders speaking out on the issue of healthy weight versus race weight.
Kerbaol is not alone in his crusade. Emma Norsgaard, a Lidl-Trek rider, praises Kerbaol's project, emphasising the importance of having a menstrual cycle for overall health. Norsgaard also mentions that some riders can feel significantly impacted by menstruation during races.
The topic of menstruation in cycling has gained prominence with athletes like Kim Le Court-Pienaar, the Tour de France Femmes leader, discussing having her period during the race. Le Court-Pienaar won stage 5 into Guéret despite being on her period, according to her own statement.
The issue of weight loss pressure in cycling has also been linked to Relative Energy Deficit in Sport (RED-S) syndrome. RED-S occurs when athletes do not consume enough energy to meet their training demands, leading to physiological and psychological impairments. This can include disrupted hormonal function, menstrual cycle loss in female athletes, impaired bone health, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.
Magdeleine Vallieres, a cyclist, had not had her period in six years before this summer and thought it was normal. However, her team has been helping her regain her health and get her period back. Vallieres praises Kerbaol's project, calling it a good inspiration.
Even medical professionals are joining the conversation. EF doctor Eder Etxeverria mentions that contraceptive pills are only used in exceptional circumstances by their team. The focus is shifting towards better recognition of RED-S symptoms and promoting healthy nutritional strategies rather than extreme weight loss.
Kerbaol sees his project as an example to others, rather than a means of shaming them. He hopes that by normalising the topic of menstruation in cycling, athletes will feel empowered to prioritise their health and well-being, without fear of judgement or repercussions.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6414488/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6605633/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6478460/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5578686/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6739362/
- Cedric Kerbaol's Instagram account, focused on road cycling and health-and-wellness, discusses the effects of Relative Energy Deficit in Sport (RED-S) syndrome on mental health, fitness-and-exercise, and women's health, especially the impact of menstruation and weight loss pressure on cyclists.
- Emma Norsgaard, a professional cyclist, supports Kerbaol's initiative, highlighting the significance of maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle for overall health, thereby emphasizing the need for better understanding and management of RED-S syndrome in sports.
- Recognizing the importance of mental health, Magdeleine Vallieres, another cyclist, shares her personal battle with RED-S syndrome, underscoring the need for a shift in focus from extreme weight loss to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and science-based strategies in sports.
