They presented themselves in front of the starting line of the race. Ready to launch. But as the first notes of the United States national anthem – The Star-Spangled Banner – sounded, several American cyclists got off their bikes and knelt down. A gesture reminiscent of that of the former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick and which has become the symbol of the fight against racism.
For these cyclists, who were about to take the start, of the time trial of the United States championship which took place this weekend in Knoxville (Tennessee), it was a way of protesting against the suspension by the Supreme Court, announced the same day, of the judgment recognizing the right to abortion in the country. Each state is now free to prohibit it… which soon happened.
“We organized a moment of solidarity against the decision to abolish the judgment “Roe against Wade” (which recognized the right to abortion since 1973) this morning”, cyclist Alexis Ryan first expressed on Instagram before saying more from Cycling Weekly. “The National Championship is a symbol of patriotism. And what happened was obviously a really tragic moment for women in this country. I think as athletes we are role models for young women, but we are also role models for the whole world. I think it is important to say what we think. »
After having put the knee on the ground on Friday before the time trial, the cyclists reproduced the same on Sunday before the road race.
Since the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, many sportsmen and women have reacted to express their anger and their sadness in the image of Megan Rapinoe. “It is difficult to express how sad this day is for me, for my teammates, for all the people this will affect,” said the star of the American women’s soccer team. NBA star LeBron James tweeted, “This is all about power and control!!! »