Name: Sebastien Sutherland (they/them)
Location: Amsterdam
Discipline: I ride road, gravel & cyclocross and also run an LGBTQIA+ cycling club called Queer Wheels
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What does riding mean to you?
Riding to me is freedom. Freedom to be myself. It’s not just a sport to me, it’s a way of life. I’ve found myself through cycling because it forces you to confront yourself through challenges and long hours with just your thoughts. It’s liberation in many senses: from just being able to go get your groceries, to moving your body, to a small way of climate action.
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What is your favourite set up?
My favourite route set up right now is my road bike. I ride a second-hand Canyon Ultimate SLX CF 9.0 frame which I’ve custom painted. It has a Shimano 105 12 speed di2 groupset, and PRO bike saddle, bars, and seatpost with PRO accessories too!
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Do you think the environment is male dominated? If yes, what are your thoughts about it?
Working in the cycling industry, I can visibly see without looking at statistics that it’s cis-male dominated. While we all understand that’s the way society was set up by people in power, I don’t feel good about it. The reason is that a lot of people are not willing to share their space, and have a specific view of cycling , the hierarchy within it and who is allowed in.
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This means that often marginalised genders and groups of people in the industry are overlooked and have no voice. It’s a big missed potential for cycling. I do feel that it’s changing, but incredibly slowly with lots of set backs and misinformation about specific groups.
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Any riding plans for the future?
I am proud to run one of the first LGBTQIA+ cycling groups in the Netherlands and volunteer as the director for cycling for Pride and Sports. I plan to keep pushing for change and better awareness of the boundaries marginalised people have into the sport. I want to create a more diverse and welcoming cycling community and empower more people to be serious cyclists.
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Personally I also do plan to race locally at the Amsterdam Cyclocross competition this winter, even if I have to fight for it. I would also like to summit more big climbs next summer and re visit my home country of Scotland for some gravel bike packing.
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Ride like a girl is a series of interviews with WTNB (women trans non-binary) riders from around the world. If you would like to be contributed drop us an email.