In the realm of cycling, discussions often revolve around performance metrics, training regimens, equipment innovations, and aerodynamic postures. However, the focus on the cyclist’s body, particularly the female form, remains notably scarce. Yet, the relationship between rider and bicycle is pivotal for overall well-being, enjoyment, and sustained engagement in the sport.
Recognizing this gap, the webinar titled “Body, Bike, and Awareness: Well-being in the Saddle” was conceived. A collaborative effort between Bikeboobs and Paola Paonessa, this initiative aims to foster an informed dialogue on the daily experiences of cyclists, many of which often remain unaddressed in mainstream cycling narratives.
From the Stage at the 2026 Cycling Tourism Fair to the Webinar
The webinar was publicly introduced during a talk at the 2026 Cycling Tourism Fair, where initial reflections and practical insights were shared. The discussion delved into topics frequently overlooked, such as saddle positioning challenges and the taboos surrounding the female body in sports.
Enhancing Awareness for All Cyclists
The objective is not merely to highlight issues but to provide tangible tools to improve the rider-bicycle relationship. The webinar addresses:
- Anatomy and specificities of the cyclist’s body
- Comfort and weight distribution on the saddle
- Attuning to bodily signals during rides
- Preventing discomfort and pressure points
- Pelvic health and intimate well-being in sports
- Managing cycling activities during the menstrual cycle
The underlying message is straightforward yet often overlooked: the body is not an obstacle to athletic performance but the foundation for a sustainable and enjoyable cycling experience.
The Female Body in Cycling: An Underrepresented Reality
Despite the increasing participation of women in cycling, many aspects related to the female body remain under-researched, seldom discussed, or even ignored. Common issues reported by female cyclists include:
- Pain and compression in the pelvic region
- Challenges in selecting the appropriate saddle
- Numbness or loss of sensitivity
- Excessive pressure on soft tissues
- Recurring irritations and inflammations
- Discomfort or embarrassment in openly discussing these problems
These are real concerns, often normalized or minimized. Many female cyclists endure pain or discomfort, assuming it’s simply “part of the game,” when, in reality, solutions and strategies exist to enhance comfort and health in the saddle.
Why Address This Now
Cycling is experiencing significant growth, both in the realm of cycling tourism and professional sports, with an increasing number of women taking to the bike. However, dedicated informational spaces addressing these real-life experiences remain scarce. Initiating this conversation means:
- Making cycling more inclusive
- Improving the well-being of all cyclists
- Breaking taboos still prevalent in sports
- Providing tools to experience cycling with greater freedom and awareness
How to Participate in the Webinar on Tuesday, May 12
The “Body, Bike, and Awareness: Well-being in the Saddle” webinar is an online event lasting two hours, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM CEST. It’s open to all cyclists who wish to better understand the relationship between body and bicycle, with a particular focus on the female experience. The session will include:
- Practical insights
- Reflections on well-being in the saddle
- Opportunities for questions and discussion
For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit the official Bikeboobs website.
Discussing the body in cycling is not a technical detail. It’s the first step toward making the sport truly accessible, conscious, and liberating for everyone.